New Rules for Resolving VB-G RAM G Grievances

The government has announced new rules under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, to address complaints related to the implementation of the rural employment scheme. According to these rules, all grievances must be resolved within 15 days.

Some key changes have been made compared to earlier draft rules. First, there is no longer a requirement to file a First Information Report (FIR) if financial irregularities are found during preliminary inquiries or social audits. Second, action-taken reports on grievances will not need to be presented at panchayat or district meetings for review.

The new rules also remove the idea of setting aside a “designated day” each week for grievance officials to handle complaints. Instead, people can file complaints in person with the Grievance Redressal Officer, through Speed Post, on a digital platform, or via telephone helplines as specified by state governments.

Complaints cannot be rejected based on format, language, or procedural issues. Those submitted physically must be recorded digitally on the same day or by the next working day, with complainants receiving an acknowledgment containing details of their complaint.

Grievance officers are required to investigate each complaint, gather necessary records, and may even hear from the complainant before resolving it. Investigations must be completed within seven days of receiving the complaint. The findings and actions taken must be shared with the complainant, and unresolved grievances must be escalated after 15 days and tracked until resolved.

The rules also include provisions for appeals under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025.