The committee, headed by Congress leader Saptagiri Ulaka, met on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) to review the preparatory work for the scheme’s implementation.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Rules governing the new rural employment guarantee scheme, the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), which is scheduled to come into force from July 1, will be released by the government in the next few days, officials of the Union Ministry of Rural Development informed a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).
The committee, headed by Congress leader Saptagiri Ulaka, met on Wednesday to review the preparatory work for the scheme’s implementation.
The Centre has to address several issues, including the formulation of a system for normative allocation of funds among the States. Section 4 (5) of the legislation says: “The Central government shall determine the State-wise normative allocation for each financial year, based on objective parameters as may be prescribed by the Central government.”
The provision is aimed at ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources.
The Ministry informed the panel that 25 States have already allocated funds for the programme, and administrative and policy steps are being put in place. All major States have made the required budgetary provisions for implementation from July 1, sources said.
Beneficiaries will be issued new smart job cards, replacing those issued under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005. The new cards will include a face-recognition feature to improve transparency and accountability, sources said. Existing job cards will remain valid on a temporary basis for workers who have completed e‑KYC, until the new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards are issued.
Published – May 20, 2026 09:50 pm IST
