VB- G RAM G is not a dilution of the earlier MGNREGA Act, but rather a course correction and improvement aimed at better outcomes: Dr Jyothis Sathyapalan, Professor, NIRDPR
PIB Organises VARTALAP Media Workshop on VB-G RAM G Act to Curb Misinformation
HYDERABAD, JANUARY 06, 2026: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on Tuesday organised a one-day VARTALAP Media Workshop on the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) VB-G RAM G Act at ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad.
The workshop aimed at creating awareness among journalists and addressing misinformation surrounding the proposed Act. Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, Director General, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Dr. Gopal Lal, Acting Director, NAARM were attended as chief guests.
Addressing the journalists, Mr Narendra Kumar said that in line with India’s aspiration to become a Viksit Bharat, the VB-G RAM G Act provides a clear roadmap towards achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
“By aligning Gram Panchayats with national development priorities, the VB-GRAM G Act will play a pivotal role in generating employment and promoting sustainable and inclusive rural development,” he said. Dismissing concerns regarding a reduction in minimum wages, Dr. Narendra Kumar clarified that minimum wages will be fully safeguarded under the new Act.
He further stated that the VB-G RAM G act aims to strengthen rural infrastructure and ensure the provision of basic amenities at the village level, thereby significantly improving the quality of life in rural areas.
Highlighting institutional reforms, he noted that the Act strengthens decentralised planning and monitoring by formally involving all three tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions, with enhanced district-level oversight to ensure convergence, quality, and accountability. The framework also introduces rule-based normative allocations to States, improving predictability in fund flows while reinforcing cooperative federalism.
Speaking on labour issues, Dr. Gopal Lal, Acting Director, NAARM, observed that despite being the world’s most populous country, India faces shortages of agricultural labour. He said the new Act addresses this challenge by facilitating the re-engagement of labour in agriculture and allied rural activities.
Deputy Director, PIB, Manas Krishna Kanth, emphasised the role of journalists in spreading accurate information. He said the workshop was organised specifically to curb misinformation surrounding the VB-GRAM G Act and urged media professionals to create greater public awareness.
Emphasising the need for amendment to MGNREGA Act, Dr. Jyothis Sathyapalan, Professor, NIRDPR, stated that the new act VB G RAM G is not a dilution of the earlier MGNREGA Act, but rather a course correction and improvement aimed at better outcomes.
The workshop witnessed participation from journalists from print and electronic media. Senior officials from NAARM, M&CO PIB V Gayathri and others were present at the event.
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