The Ministry of Rural Development has held a high-level inter-ministerial consultation to finalize the Draft Convergence Framework under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G Act, 2025). The framework aims to promote a “Single Plan – Multi Funding” approach for rural development through Gram Sabha-led planning and convergence of multiple government schemes.
Key Highlights
✅ VB–G RAM G Act to commence from July 1, 2026.
✅ 18 Union Ministries and Departments participated in the inter-ministerial consultation.
✅ Framework promotes a ‘Single Plan – Multi Funding’ model for rural development.
✅ 318 permissible works notified under water security, infrastructure, livelihoods and climate resilience.
New Delhi, June 25: In a significant step towards the implementation of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB–G RAM G Act, 2025], the Ministry of Rural Development convened a high-level inter-ministerial consultation under the chairmanship of Rohit Kansal, Secretary, Department of Rural Development, to finalize the Draft Convergence Framework ahead of the scheme’s launch on July 1, 2026.
The meeting brought together representatives and nodal officers from 18 Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to a whole-of-government approach to rural development and decentralized planning.
The consultation focused on operationalizing the mission’s vision through Gram Sabha-led planning, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI)-driven implementation and convergence of resources across multiple government schemes. The proposed framework seeks to ensure that public investments are aligned with locally identified priorities, leading to more efficient utilization of resources and sustainable development outcomes.
At the core of the framework is a bottom-up planning architecture, where development priorities identified at the Gram Sabha level are consolidated through Panchayati Raj Institutions and integrated with sector-specific programmes implemented by various Ministries and Departments. This approach is expected to strengthen grassroots governance while ensuring better coordination among government initiatives.
To facilitate the rollout of the mission from July 1, the Department of Rural Development has notified an interim list of 318 permissible works. These works span critical sectors such as natural resource management, irrigation, rural connectivity, community infrastructure, livelihood creation, climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
Officials participating in the consultation observed that the wide scope of permissible works creates substantial opportunities for convergence across multiple government programmes and development schemes. This is expected to maximize development impact while reducing duplication of efforts and resources.
Addressing the meeting, Rohit Kansal emphasized that convergence is one of the foundational pillars of the VB–G RAM G Act. He noted that integrated planning is essential for addressing interconnected rural development challenges such as water security, livelihood generation, infrastructure development, climate adaptation and local economic growth.
He highlighted the Act’s innovative “Single Plan – Multi Funding” approach, under which multiple schemes and programmes can contribute resources toward common development goals while retaining their individual mandates, funding structures and implementation mechanisms.
During the consultation, the Department of Rural Development presented the Draft Convergence Framework, which places the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan (VGPP) at the centre of rural development planning. The VGPP is envisaged as the primary planning instrument at the Gram Panchayat level and will be prepared through community participation and approved by the Gram Sabha.
The VGPP aims to integrate local developmental needs with available financial resources, technical expertise and investments from various Central and State Government schemes. This integrated planning process is expected to strengthen local governance and ensure that development interventions are responsive to community priorities.
The meeting also reviewed the thematic structure of the Act, which organizes rural development interventions into four major focus areas:
- Water Security
- Core Rural Infrastructure
- Rural Livelihoods
- Special Works for Mitigation of Extreme Weather Events
Detailed deliberations were held on strengthening technical convergence, financial convergence, digital interoperability and institutional coordination mechanisms. Participants also discussed ways to improve implementation, monitoring and outcome measurement across ministries and departments.
Representatives from participating Ministries and Departments shared valuable suggestions and recommendations to further strengthen the Draft Convergence Framework and ensure seamless implementation once the Act comes into force.
The VB–G RAM G Act is expected to become a key pillar of India’s rural development strategy by promoting integrated planning, community participation and coordinated implementation of development programmes across sectors.
Conclusion
The upcoming rollout of the VB–G RAM G Act marks a transformative step in India’s rural development framework. By adopting a Gram Sabha-led, Panchayat-driven and convergence-based approach, the mission aims to improve resource utilization, strengthen local governance and deliver sustainable development outcomes across rural India. The “Single Plan – Multi Funding” model could emerge as a landmark reform in coordinated rural development planning.
FAQ Section
What is the VB–G RAM G Act?
The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) is a rural development initiative focused on integrated planning, employment generation and livelihood enhancement.
When will the VB–G RAM G Act come into effect?
The Act is scheduled to be operationalized from July 1, 2026.
What is the “Single Plan – Multi Funding” approach?
It is a model where multiple government schemes contribute resources toward common development goals while retaining their individual mandates and funding structures.
What is the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan (VGPP)?
The VGPP is the primary planning document at the Gram Panchayat level, prepared through community participation and approved by the Gram Sabha.
