Industry Odisha Bureau, July 4: The Puducherry Government rolled out the Vikshit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar Ajveeka Mission Grameen (VB-G RAM G) scheme on Thursday, replacing the MGNREGA programme in the Union Territory. Workers will receive a minimum daily wage of Rs 347 under this scheme. They will also be guaranteed up to 125 days of employment each year.
CM N. Rangasamy launched the VB-G RAM G scheme in Puducherry’s Villianur. He also said that the initiative will provide better livelihood opportunities by increasing both wages and number of workdays. The annual employment guarantee has been increased from 100 to 125 days,
Official data shows that 1,15,049 workers are currently registered under the employment guarantee programme in Puducherry. So far, the government has issued 77,783 job cards, while 66,612 workers are currently active under the scheme.
Notably, 56,350 of the workers are women, making the majority of the active workforce. The data also mentions that 18,975 of the workers belong to Scheduled Castes and 212 workers to the Scheduled Tribes.
In order to ensure transparency and timely payment of wages, the Puducherry government has completed eKYC verification for the 66,469 active workers. The government has also opened bank accounts for all eligible job card holders to enable direct transfer of wages.
Statements from an official say that the scheme has already generated 1,87,233 person-days of employment. For FY 2026-27, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has allocated Rs. 40.56 crore for implementing the programme in Puducherry. In addition to which, the government will also contribute Rs 14 crore towards workers’ wages. The government will also contribute another Rs 2 crore for the procurement of materials required for various projects.
Officials say that the scheme is expected to improve rural livelihoods by providing more employment opportunities, higher wages, and timely transfers.
