VB-G RAM G: Restrictions lifted; workers get jobs in all 38 districts of Bihar

Ministry officials said infrastructure was damaged at several places in the 22 flood-affected districts. There is an urgent need to restore and repair the infrastructure. File Image | Photo credit: The Hindu

Workers in 22 flood-affected and 16 drought-affected districts of Bihar will now be able to get regular jobs.

Bihar Rural Development Department on Wednesday (October 21, 2026) launched a drive to employ unskilled workers under the VB-G RAM G Viksit Bharat Scheme — Rozgar and Ajeevika (Gramin) Mission Guarantee. The aim of the initiative is to employ government workers in areas affected by floods and droughts and thus offer financial support to poor households.

According to the order, the following 22 districts have been severely affected by floods this year: Arwal, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Darbhanga, Gopalganj, Katihar, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Munger, Muzaffarpur, West Champaran, Patna, East Champaran, Sampura, Sam Purnia Vaishali. The floods caused extensive damage to roads in these districts.

Meanwhile, districts like Araria, Aurangabad, Banka, Gaya Ji, Jamui, Jehanabad, Kaimur, Kishanganj, Madhubani, Nalanda, Nawada, Rohtas, Sheikhpura, Sheohar, Sitamarhi and Siwan have experienced drought this year due to well below normal rainfall.

Drought in these areas damaged the Rabi crop, leading to a substantial drop in the demand for agricultural labour.

Ministry officials said infrastructure was damaged at several places in the 22 flood-affected districts. There is an urgent need to restore and repair the infrastructure.

In view of the upcoming festivals, there is a need to ensure employment opportunities for the returning workers as well. This will facilitate infrastructure reconstruction and at the same time speed up development activities.

Employment of workers in disaster affected areas has become an urgent necessity. Previously, in view of the agricultural season and in order not to disrupt agricultural activities, the construction work was suspended during the scheduled work break from October 22 to December 10, 2026.

However, the restrictions have now been lifted to provide employment to the people and facilitate the restoration of the damaged infrastructure, in view of the recent disaster situation in the state.

Under the VB–G RAM G scheme, launched across the country on July 1, 2026, infrastructure development, asset creation and other development works are to be undertaken with funding shared by the central and state governments in the ratio of 60:40.

Ministry officials said that in view of the prevailing catastrophic conditions, the work break period for agricultural activities has been relaxed to ensure that workers can receive up to 125 days of wages under the Employment Guarantee Scheme.

“Bihar has been affected by floods. Roads, bridges, culverts, roads, embankments and other infrastructure have sustained extensive damage. It is essential to repair and restore the damaged infrastructure to speed up development activities,” Minister for Rural Development and Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) Shravan Kumar told the media.

Published – 22 Oct 2026 10:08 IST