Rural Employment Boost Announced as Centre Extends Guaranteed Workdays to 125 Under ‘Viksit Bharat–Ji Ram Ji’ Scheme
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that guaranteed employment under the ‘Viksit Bharat–Ji Ram Ji’ scheme has been increased from 100 to 125 days, with over ₹1.51 lakh crore allocated this year to boost rural jobs, decentralised planning, and village-level development.
Addressing farmers and residents in Nagaur, Chouhan said the enhanced employment guarantee reflects the government’s commitment to deepening economic security in rural India. He revealed that more than ₹1.51 lakh crore has been earmarked for the scheme in the current financial year, marking one of the largest allocations aimed at rural employment and infrastructure development.
The minister emphasized that the revised framework goes beyond wage employment and places village institutions at the center of planning. Under the new approach, Gram Panchayats will be empowered to design comprehensive development plans tailored to local needs, ensuring that projects reflect ground realities and regional priorities.
According to Chouhan, decentralised planning will enable villages to focus on sustainable assets, improve basic infrastructure, and generate employment opportunities that directly benefit rural households. He stated that this shift would help strengthen the rural economy, create long-term livelihood options, and move villages closer to self-reliance.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts by the central government to position rural development as a key pillar of economic growth. By increasing guaranteed workdays and allocating substantial financial resources, the scheme is expected to provide greater income stability for rural families while accelerating grassroots development across the country.

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