The Ministry of Rural Development has notified a new Schedule of Permissible Works under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB–G RAM G] Act, 2025, expanding the list of eligible rural works to 375 from 266 under the previous framework.

The new schedule represents a 41% increase and groups the works into four broad areas — Water Security, Core Rural Infrastructure, Livelihood-related Infrastructure, and Special Works for Extreme Weather Events and Disaster Preparedness.

The Water Security category has the largest allocation with 128 works, covering initiatives such as check dams, groundwater recharge structures, river and waterbody rejuvenation, rainwater harvesting and irrigation infrastructure.

Core Rural Infrastructure accounts for 111 works, including solar street lighting, waste management facilities, rural libraries, health and veterinary centres, Common Service Centres, school infrastructure and maintenance of rural water-supply assets.

The framework also significantly expands the focus on rural livelihoods, with 98 works covering agro-processing, value addition, cold storage, dairy infrastructure, market yards, mushroom cultivation, aquaculture and other farm-linked facilities. Infrastructure for Self-Help Groups, including worksheds, SHE Marts and training centres, is also included.

For the first time, a dedicated category for disaster preparedness and climate resilience has been introduced, comprising 38 works. These include flood shelters, embankment strengthening, retaining walls, post-disaster restoration and forest-fire management measures.

The framework places additional emphasis on farmers, vulnerable households, women and rural youth. It includes 181 agriculture and allied works, 107 works targeted at Antyodaya and vulnerable households, and 36 works each linked to women and youth development.

The government said all works will be identified through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans based on local requirements and approved by the Gram Sabha. Their implementation will be digitally tracked through the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack, aimed at improving coordination and avoiding duplication across schemes.

The expanded framework seeks to link rural employment generation with the creation of durable assets, livelihood opportunities, water security, climate resilience and inclusive rural development.