VB-G RAM G Grievance Redressal Rules 2026 Notified by Rural Development Ministry

The Ministry of Rural Development has notified the Grievance Redressal Rules, 2026, under the Viksit Bharat – Rozgar aur Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, known as VB-G RAM G, according to a Press Information Bureau release dated 2 November. The rules set out how workers and villagers can complain about the scheme that replaces MGNREGA, and who must act on those complaints.

Complaints Without Form or Language Bars

The PIB release carries the headline and a short summary; the full notified text was not available to IPB at the time of writing. The draft rules, published in the Gazette on 22 May 2026, give a guide to what the final text is likely to contain, though the notified version may differ. The draft said any person could file a grievance orally, in writing, digitally or by phone, and that a grievance could not be refused because of its form, language or mode. It proposed grievance desks at every block and at the district level, with the District Programme Coordinator as nodal officer.

Seven Working Days to Investigate

Under the draft, spot verification and disposal had to be completed within seven working days of receipt, with corrective action and an action-taken report within 15 days after that. A complaint left unresolved for 15 days would move automatically to the next higher level. Appeals had to be filed within 45 days of an order and decided within 30 days, with the State Grievance Redressal Authority as the last stage. Where an inquiry or social audit showed prima facie financial irregularity, the draft required the district coordinator to ensure an FIR was lodged after taking legal advice.

Background to the Rollout

The VB-G RAM G Act was notified on 11 May 2026 and replaces MGNREGA in phases. The Centre published a package of draft rules on 23 May, including those on wages and unemployment allowance, and said the new framework would start nationwide on 1 July, according to Business Standard.

What to Check Next

The ministry has not said in the release when state governments must appoint grievance authorities. Readers can compare the final text with the draft on the Gazette portal once it is uploaded. More IPB coverage is in Daily Updates.

Source: PIB release, Ministry of Rural Development. Also based on reporting by Business Standard and the draft rules as published on TaxHeal.

Image: Business Standard (representative file image).