10/01/2026
PRESS RELEASE
10 JANUARY, 2026
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sikkim unit proudly endorses the VB-GRAM G (Viksit Bharat - Gram Rozgar Abhiyan Mahatma Gandhi) Bill 2025, a visionary initiative by the Narendra Modi-led central government designed to revolutionize rural employment. This transformative legislation builds upon the foundation of MGNREGA by infusing modern technology, enhancing productivity, and creating assured opportunities tailored to uplift Sikkim’s unique rural landscape. In Sikkim, where over 70% of the population depends on agriculture and allied activities amidst challenging terrains and seasonal vulnerabilities, VB-GRAM G promises to bridge critical gaps in employment security and rural development. The Bill directly addresses longstanding issues such as irregular work availability and delayed payments, ensuring a more resilient and self-reliant economy for our farmers and labourers.
The Act significantly enhances the statutory guarantee from 100 to 125 days of unskilled wage employment per rural household per year, recognizing the increased livelihood requirements of contemporary rural households. To address the specific concerns of the farming community, states are now empowered to declare an Agriculture Pause of up to 60 days during peak sowing and harvesting seasons. Crucially, this pause does not reduce the annual 125-day legal guarantee, thereby creating a perfect balance between the interests of landowners and rural labourers.
All permissible works under the new Act are organized into four clearly defined strategic verticals: Water Related Works for water security, Core Rural Infrastructure, Livelihood-related Infrastructure, and Special Works to mitigate extreme weather events and disaster preparedness. This structural shift ensures that every hour of employment directly contributes to long-term rural productivity and climate resilience. Planning begins at the grassroots through the Gram Sabha, leading to the preparation of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, which are digitally integrated at higher administrative levels. The integration of PM Gati Shakti and GIS-based mapping ensures seamless convergence and the total avoidance of project duplication.
Unlike MGNREGA, where technology adoption was often optional or inconsistent, VB-GRAM G embeds digital accountability directly into the statute. The framework mandates biometric geospatial technology-enabled planning, geo-referencing, satellite imagery authentication, and real-time tracking through dedicated mobile applications. These tools, coupled with AI-based fraud detection and analytics, ensure unprecedented transparency.
Furthermore, weekly wage payments—mandated to be processed no later than a fortnight—are now backed by automatic compensation for any delays, finally restoring full credibility to the wage guarantee system. To support this high-tech rollout, the administrative expenditure ceiling has been raised to 9%, enabling adequate staffing, technical expertise, and intensive training at the grassroots level.
VB-GRAM G is not merely a policy; it is a profound commitment to a Viksit Sikkim under the broader vision of Viksit Bharat. In our state, where natural beauty meets unique economic challenges, this Bill will empower our youth and women while driving inclusive growth. We express our deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this forward-thinking reform that harmonizes traditional labor with the power of Digital India. BJP Sikkim urges all stakeholders, including local panchayats and community leaders, to embrace this opportunity for a prosperous future. The party remains committed to the effective implementation of central schemes, ensuring that Sikkim leads the nation in sustainable rural development.
Sangey Gyatso Bhutia
Spokesperson, BJP Sikkim
