Odisha Launches Rs 5,575-Crore Rural Employment Scheme, Guarantees 125 Days of Work from July 1
Officials said the scheme is expected to benefit a large number of rural households while contributing to the creation of productive assets that support agriculture, natural resource management and rural infrastructure across the state.
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved a new rural employment programme, Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), aimed at providing assured wage employment to rural households across the state.
The scheme, which will come into force on July 1, was cleared by the State Cabinet on Friday evening as part of Odisha’s efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods, address seasonal unemployment and create durable community assets. It will be implemented in all gram panchayats under the provisions of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
Under the programme, every eligible rural household will be entitled to a minimum of 125 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year, exceeding the employment guarantee currently available under the Centre’s rural jobs framework.
Announcing the Cabinet decision, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the government would also identify and notify up to 60 days during critical agricultural seasons, particularly sowing and harvesting periods, to ensure adequate labour availability while extending additional livelihood support to rural communities.
The scheme is designed to provide a safety net for families facing income insecurity during lean agricultural periods and times of rural distress. Besides generating employment, it seeks to promote sustainable rural development through the creation of durable assets and infrastructure.
Works undertaken under the programme will focus on water conservation, rural infrastructure development, livelihood enhancement, climate resilience and disaster preparedness. The government expects these interventions to improve productivity, strengthen local economies and enhance the long-term resilience of villages.
A key feature of the initiative is the preparation of technology-enabled and participatory Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, which will be developed at the village level to identify local priorities and ensure need-based development. The planning process is intended to encourage community participation and improve the effectiveness of public investment in rural areas.
For the 2025-26 financial year, the Odisha government has earmarked Rs 5,575 crore for the implementation of the programme, underscoring its commitment to rural employment generation and grassroots development.
Officials said the scheme is expected to benefit a large number of rural households while contributing to the creation of productive assets that support agriculture, natural resource management and rural infrastructure across the state.