Centre Issues Grievance Redressal Rules for VB-G RAM G Act with 15-Day Resolution Deadline

The Indian government has officially released the grievance redressal rules under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Grievance Redressal Rules, 2026. These regulations provide a structured framework to address complaints related to the implementation of the rural employment scheme governed by the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025.

Announced by the Union Ministry of Rural Development on Monday, the new rules require state governments to establish a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism operating at the gram panchayat, block, and district levels. This structure aims to ensure that citizens' concerns are addressed efficiently and systematically.

Each level within this system will appoint designated grievance redressal officers responsible for receiving, registering, investigating, and resolving complaints. Citizens will have multiple channels to submit grievances, including in-person visits, speed post, a designated digital platform, telephone helplines, or any other methods approved by respective state authorities.

The ministry emphasized that no complaint can be rejected based on its format, language, mode of submission, or procedural shortcomings. This inclusive approach is intended to make the grievance process accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or technical know-how.

Complaints submitted physically at gram panchayat, block, or district offices must be recorded on the digital platform on the day they are received or, if not possible, by the following working day. After registering a complaint, the complainant will receive an acknowledgement that includes a registration number, the date of receipt, and the designation of the officer who received the grievance.

The rules set a clear timeline for addressing grievances: enquiries must be completed within seven working days of receiving the complaint, and the resolution must be finalized within 15 days. To investigate complaints thoroughly, grievance officers have the authority to request relevant documents, records, reports, and electronic data from concerned authorities. They must also offer the complainant a chance to be heard, either in person or electronically, whenever necessary.

If a grievance remains unresolved after the 15-day period, it will be escalated to the next higher level in the grievance mechanism. These unresolved cases will continue to be monitored electronically until they are resolved, ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the process.

At the district level, a district programme coordinator will oversee the grievance redressal process, guaranteeing that complaints are managed through the established mechanism and digital infrastructure. This oversight role is designed to maintain consistency and effectiveness in addressing issues.

The rules also allow for appeals against decisions made under the grievance redressal system, following the provisions outlined in Schedule I of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025. This appeals process provides an additional layer of recourse for complainants seeking further review.

The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, provides the legal foundation for the Centre’s rural employment guarantee programme, which seeks to enhance livelihood opportunities in rural areas across India. The recently notified grievance redressal rules aim to strengthen the implementation of this scheme by instituting clear procedures, mandatory registration of complaints, timely investigation, and digital tracking of grievances.

By introducing these measures, the government intends to make the grievance redressal system more transparent and accessible, ensuring that citizens’ concerns related to the rural employment scheme receive prompt and proper attention.

This development fits into the broader context of the government’s efforts to improve governance and service delivery in rural development programmes. Establishing a reliable and responsive grievance redressal system is critical in building trust and enhancing the effectiveness of such welfare initiatives.