> New flagship scheme aims to strengthen livelihood security, village planning and sustainable rural development across the Union Territory.
LEH: Strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring guaranteed employment in villages, the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has formally notified the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G) Scheme, which will come into force from July 1, 2026.
The notification, issued by the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department under the provisions of the VB-GRAM G Act, 2025, extends the scheme to all notified rural areas of Ladakh. The initiative is designed to provide a legal guarantee of wage employment while promoting sustainable and convergence-based rural development.
The scheme seeks to enhance livelihood opportunities by ensuring timely employment to eligible rural households while creating durable community assets through development works. It also emphasizes inclusive growth by prioritising vulnerable groups and integrating employment generation with long-term village development.
Under the new framework, every eligible adult residing in notified rural areas will have the right to apply for work. Applications can be submitted either individually or collectively through Gram Panchayats, Ward Members, Programme Officers, authorised officials or digital platforms. Authorities have been mandated to compulsorily register every application and issue dated receipts to ensure transparency and accountability.
A key feature of the scheme is the preparation of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs), envisioned as future-ready, convergence-based local development plans aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat. These plans will guide the identification and execution of development works based on local priorities while integrating resources from multiple government programmes.
The notification assigns a central role to Gram Panchayats in implementing the scheme. Panchayats will be responsible for registering households, processing work applications, preparing village development plans, executing approved works and maintaining records and accounts as prescribed by the Administration.
District Collectors will function as District Programme Coordinators, overseeing implementation of the scheme in their respective districts. The notification also details the responsibilities of Programme Officers and other implementing agencies to ensure smooth execution, monitoring and financial management.
To improve efficiency and transparency, the scheme provides for end-to-end digital management, including computerised muster rolls, measurement records, wage lists and Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs). It also incorporates provisions for automatic calculation and payment of compensation in cases of delays in wage disbursement, with responsibility fixed on defaulting officials or agencies.
The Administration has also made special provisions to proactively identify the employment needs of vulnerable groups and facilitate access to work opportunities.
Officials believe the VB-GRAM G Scheme will not only guarantee wage employment but also contribute to the creation of durable rural infrastructure, strengthen grassroots governance and accelerate sustainable development across Ladakh’s villages.
The notification has been issued by Nidhi Malik (IAS), Administrative Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, UT Ladakh, by the order of the Lieutenant Governor. The scheme will become operational across the Union Territory from July 1, 2026.
