Bhubaneswar, June 18: In a major push to strengthen the rural economy and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, the Odisha Government has notified the ‘Viksit Bharat–Grameen Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (GRAMIN)’ scheme. The Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department has issued detailed guidelines for the implementation of the programme after receiving approval from the State Cabinet.
As per the notification, the scheme will come into force across all notified rural areas of the state from July 1, 2026. Under the initiative, every eligible rural household will be entitled to 120 days of unskilled wage employment annually. The government has also assured an unemployment allowance if work is not provided within 15 days of application. Compensation for delayed wage payments has also been included in the scheme provisions.
Modelled on the experience of MGNREGS, the new programme aims not only to generate employment but also to promote rural infrastructure development, water conservation, agricultural productivity, livelihood asset creation and climate-resilient villages. The scheme has been aligned with the broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
A key component of the initiative is the preparation of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs). Gram Panchayats will formulate development plans based on local needs and resources, ensuring a bottom-up approach to planning and implementation.
To oversee implementation, the state government will constitute the Odisha State Rural Employment Guarantee Council and a State-Level Steering Committee. District Collectors will serve as District Programme Coordinators, while Panchayati Raj Institutions will play a crucial role in planning, execution and social audits.
The scheme also emphasizes transparency and accountability through biometric attendance, geo-tagging of assets, MIS-based monitoring, social audits and a robust grievance redressal mechanism.
The GRAMIN scheme is being viewed as a significant step in the state government's rural development agenda, with a focus on ensuring employment security while creating durable and productive rural assets.
