Bihar Lifts VB-G RAM G Work Restrictions Across All 38 Districts, Rural Workers To Get Jobs

The Bihar government has lifted restrictions on work under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, across all 38 districts, allowing rural workers to seek employment under the scheme during the period originally designated as the peak agricultural season. The relaxation takes effect from October 22.

The decision comes amid widespread flooding in 22 districts and drought-like conditions in 16 others, which have affected agricultural activities and reduced employment opportunities for rural labourers. The state government has relaxed the restrictions to provide wage employment to affected households and support the restoration of damaged rural infrastructure.

Why Bihar Lifted the Work Restrictions

The restrictions were originally scheduled to remain in force from October 22 to December 10 to ensure that agricultural workers were available for the harvesting of kharif crops and sowing of rabi crops.

However, floods, waterlogging and deficient rainfall have disrupted agricultural operations in several parts of Bihar. In flood-hit areas, damage to crops and waterlogged fields have delayed harvesting and the preparation of land for the next sowing season. In districts affected by low rainfall, reduced soil moisture has also affected agricultural prospects.

With farm employment limited in many areas, the government decided to allow rural development work to continue during the notified period rather than leave workers without alternative sources of income.

Work to Be Prioritised in Flood-Hit and Drought-Affected Districts

In the 22 flood-affected districts, priority is expected to be given to repairing damaged rural roads, restoring community assets, repairing embankments and improving drainage systems. These works are intended to help restore essential infrastructure damaged by flooding while providing employment to local workers.

In the 16 districts experiencing drought-like conditions, the focus will be on water conservation, rainwater harvesting and irrigation-related infrastructure. Such projects could help address immediate employment needs while improving the availability and management of water resources.

The relaxation covers all 38 districts of Bihar, although the specific works undertaken will depend on local requirements and the approved rural development projects.

What Is the VB-G RAM G Scheme?

The VB-G RAM G programme is the rural employment and livelihood security framework introduced under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. The legislation came into force on July 1, 2026, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The framework provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per financial year to eligible rural households whose adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work. It also emphasises the creation of durable rural assets, livelihood infrastructure, water-related works and projects that help mitigate extreme weather events.

Under the scheme's funding structure, the Centre and state governments share expenditure in a 60:40 ratio in Bihar.

Relief for Rural Workers

The lifting of the restrictions is expected to provide an alternative source of income to rural households whose earnings have been affected by floods, crop losses and poor rainfall. It will also allow local authorities to take up repairs and development projects during a period when agricultural work is limited in several districts.

The effectiveness of the decision will depend on how quickly approved projects are started, how consistently work is made available to job-card holders and whether wages are paid on time. The relaxation allows work to continue during the specified period, but actual employment will depend on the availability and implementation of eligible projects.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2026 11:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).