In a significant boost to rural employment and livelihoods, the Odisha government has officially notified the Viksit Bharat-Gramin Rozgar o Aajeevika Mission (Gramin), set to roll out across all gram panchayats from July 1, 2026.
The scheme, approved in a recent state Cabinet meeting, draws inspiration from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) but aims to deliver more targeted support to strengthen the rural economy.
Under the initiative, every eligible rural household will be guaranteed a minimum of 120 days of unskilled manual work annually. Adult members (18 years and above) can apply, and work must be provided within 15 days of application. If the administration fails to do so, beneficiaries will receive an unemployment allowance.
Transparency and accountability are built into the programme through mandatory biometric attendance and geo-tagging of worksites, ensuring that funds reach the intended beneficiaries and reducing leakages.
The notification, issued by the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, states that the scheme will be implemented in all gram panchayats of the state. It seeks not only to provide immediate wage employment but also to enhance long-term rural livelihoods through skill-adjacent opportunities and asset creation.
This move comes as a major relief for rural Odisha, where seasonal unemployment remains a challenge. Officials believe the scheme will complement existing central programmes while giving the state greater flexibility to address local needs.
