New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Central Government has notified revised wage rates under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB–G RAM G] Act, 2025, with the new rates coming into force from July 1, 2026, the day the legislation becomes operational across the country.
The notification raises wages for rural workers in all States and Union Territories covered under the programme, with the government introducing a minimum notified wage of ₹300 per day for the first time under a national rural employment scheme.
According to the Ministry of Rural Development, the revised wage structure applies to 34 States, Union Territories and wage regions. The national average notified wage has increased to ₹327.4 per day, up from ₹298.8 under the previous employment framework, reflecting an average increase of more than 10 per cent.
The notification provides the highest percentage increase to States where wage levels had remained comparatively low over the years. Workers in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh are expected to benefit from hikes ranging between 15 and 25 per cent.
States that already had relatively higher wage rates have also received an upward revision. Following the latest notification, Haryana, Goa, Kerala and high-altitude areas of Sikkim now have notified daily wages exceeding ₹400, with Sikkim’s high-altitude gram panchayats topping the list.
Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the revised wage notification reflects the government’s focus on improving rural livelihoods and ensuring greater support for workers in economically weaker regions. He said the expanded employment guarantee under the Act, coupled with enhanced wages, would strengthen rural incomes and promote inclusive development.
The ministry stated that the revised wages have been determined using a transparent formula that combines annual indexation with the newly introduced interim base wage, helping reduce historical disparities in rural wage rates across different parts of the country.
Officials said the notification complements the provisions of the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025, which provides 125 days of guaranteed wage employment to eligible rural households. The government expects the revised wage structure to boost purchasing power, strengthen village economies and support sustainable rural development under its long-term vision for a developed India.
