The Manipur government has launched a structured six-week Jan Samvaad (Public Outreach)-based Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign to disseminate the provisions of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G) across all districts of the state.
Additional Deputy Commissioner P. Shantikumar Singh announced this during a Jan Samvaad-based IEC programme held at the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex in Kakching district.
The event was attended by district officials, including representatives from the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (RD & PR) Department and the District Information and Public Relations Office (DIPR).
Addressing the gathering, Shantikumar said that the new Act, notified on December 21, 2025, replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. He noted that implementation of the scheme will be aligned with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, with planning to be undertaken at the grassroots level through the preparation of a Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan in each Gram Panchayat.
Under the revised provisions, eligible rural households can avail up to 125 days of unskilled manual employment annually, an increase from the earlier 100-day entitlement. Wages, he said, will be disbursed at prevailing rates within seven days of work completion, with a maximum permissible delay of 15 days.
Shantikumar further stated that any adult member of a rural household willing to undertake unskilled manual work can register with the concerned Gram Panchayat and obtain a Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Card, commonly known as a Job Card. Once registered, households may apply for work either orally or in writing to the Gram Panchayat, Programme Officer or other competent authority.
If work is not provided within 15 days of applying, applicants will qualify for unemployment allowance. The allowance is fixed at one-fourth of the wage rate for the first 30 days and 50 per cent of the wage rate for days exceeding 30 days.
However, allowance will not be granted to individuals who fail to report for assigned work, those who have already completed 125 days of employment, or those who have received wages and unemployment allowance equivalent to 125 days of wages.
He further stated that no works will be taken up for a period of 60 days during peak agricultural seasons, particularly during sowing and harvesting.
Finally, Shantikumar expressed optimism that the new act would accelerate rural development in Kakching district and beyond.
