Himachal Expands Rural Employment Scheme, Brings Disaster Relief Work Under Its Scope

In a move aimed at strengthening both rural livelihoods and disaster preparedness, the Himachal Pradesh government has broadened the scope of its Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission-Rural (VB-G RAM G) by bringing disaster management and restoration activities under the scheme. The revised provisions came into effect across the state from July 1 following a notification issued by the Rural Development Department.

Under the updated framework, workers enrolled under the scheme can now be engaged in relief, restoration and mitigation work in areas affected by landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts and other natural disasters. The expanded list of permissible activities includes water conservation projects, cleaning and restoration of drains, slope stabilization measures, repair of damaged rural roads and other initiatives aimed at reducing disaster risks in vulnerable regions.

Rural Development Secretary C. Palrasu said the modifications were introduced to better align the scheme with Himachal Pradesh’s unique challenges. He noted that the inclusion of disaster-related works would help communities respond more effectively to natural calamities while creating employment opportunities at the local level.

The state government has also revised wage rates for workers under the scheme. Daily wages have been fixed at ₹375 in scheduled (tribal) areas and ₹300 in non-scheduled areas, providing greater financial support to rural labourers. Previously, wage payments under MGNREGA stood at ₹309 and ₹247 respectively, with the state government providing additional support to enhance earnings.

Another key feature of the revised scheme is the increase in guaranteed employment to 125 days per eligible rural household. The government believes this will provide greater income security, boost rural livelihoods and generate more job opportunities, particularly in areas where employment options remain limited and seasonal.

Officials say the expanded scheme will serve a dual purpose—helping villages undertake preventive measures before the monsoon season and ensuring faster restoration of essential infrastructure after disasters. Given the recurring damage caused by landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts in the state, strengthening local resilience has become an urgent priority.

While the changes are expected to increase expenditure for the state, the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department has directed Deputy Commissioners and other implementing agencies to prepare district-wise action plans for smooth execution of the revised guidelines.

The reforms are based on recommendations made by a high-level committee constituted by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and chaired by Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh. The committee reviewed the scheme and proposed changes to better suit Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous terrain, disaster vulnerabilities and rural employment needs.

According to the government, the revised framework addresses gaps in the existing system by combining livelihood generation with disaster resilience. Officials have reiterated that protecting the interests and welfare of rural workers remains a top priority while ensuring that communities are better prepared to face natural disasters.