The Panchayati Raj & D.W. Department, Govt. of Odisha on June 17, 2026, issued the “Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Scheme, Odisha”.
It shall come into force with effect from July 01, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The Scheme aims to provide guaranteed rural employment while creating durable rural infrastructure, promoting sustainable livelihoods, strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions, and ensuring transparency through extensive use of digital platforms and real-time monitoring.
• The Scheme provides for demand-driven wage employment through Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards, preparation of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, and execution of labour-intensive public works. Permissible works include rural infrastructure, natural resource management, water conservation, agriculture-related assets, and livelihood enhancement projects.
• To protect agricultural activities, the Scheme prohibits undertaking works during peak sowing and harvesting seasons. State Governments are required to notify up to 60 days in a financial year as peak agricultural periods, during which no Scheme works shall be executed.
• The Scheme mandates detailed technical estimates, digital work planning, transparent approvals, labour-intensive construction methods, and execution of works without contractors, except where permitted under convergent schemes. Wages are linked to the Schedule of Rates, with separate rates for vulnerable groups such as women, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and persons suffering from debilitating ailments.
• Comprehensive provisions have been introduced for worksite facilities and worker welfare, including safe drinking water, shade, first aid, childcare facilities, medical treatment for injured workers, hospitalisation support, daily allowance during treatment, and ex gratia compensation in cases of death or permanent disability.
• The Scheme also establishes a time-bound grievance redressal mechanism, requiring acknowledgement of complaints, enquiry within seven working days, disposal within fifteen days, automatic digital escalation of unresolved grievances, and appointment of a District Ombudsperson.
[Notification no. - 16662—PR-NREG-SCHEME-0002/2026/PR & DW]
