Overview Union Minister for Coal and Mines and Secunderabad MP G. Kishan Reddy announced on Monday, January 12, 2026 , that the Union government will allocate ₹17,000 crore more than last year to the rural employment guarantee programme. This programme has been renamed Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act . The allocation includes an additional ₹340 crore specifically for Telangana . Key Developments Increased Funding and Allocation Total Increase: The Union government will spend an additional ₹17,000 crore on the rural employment guarantee programme. Telangana Allocation: Telangana will receive an additional ₹340 crore . Scheme Revamp and Amendments Name Change: The programme is now called Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act . Amendments: Changes were made after careful review and based on demands from farmers, labourers, and rural communities. Objective: To increase efficiencies as part of the reforms process of the Modi government . Technological Integration Accountability and Transparency: Advanced technology is integrated to strengthen these aspects. Penalties: New provisions impose penalties for delayed wage payments after work completion. Supervision Funds: 9% of funds are allocated for supervision. Geo-tagging: A system of geo-tagging will allow real-time monitoring of works nationwide. State Authority and Implementation Implementation Schedule: States have full authority to decide the scheme’s implementation schedule based on agricultural seasons and local requirements. Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) Wage Delays: The new Act aims to prevent wage delays by ensuring direct benefit transfers (DBT) to workers’ bank accounts. Irrigation Issues National Project Status: Seeking national project status for works like the Palamuru–Rangareddy project is legitimate, and the BJP will support it, but decisions will be taken as per norms. Polavaram Project: Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram project received national status under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Bifurcation) Act . UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS2: Government Policies and Programmes , GS3: Economy and Infrastructure . It highlights government efforts to improve rural employment and infrastructure through increased funding, technological integration, and policy reforms. Understanding the nuances of schemes like MGNREGA and the impact of DBT are crucial for the UPSC exam. Important Facts The Union government will spend ₹17,000 crore more on the rural employment guarantee programme. An additional ₹340 crore is allocated for Telangana . The programme is now named Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act . Advanced technology is being integrated for accountability and transparency. States have full authority to decide the scheme’s implementation schedule. Geo-tagging will allow real-time monitoring of works nationwide. The Act aims to ensure direct benefit transfers (DBT) to workers’ bank accounts. Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram project received national status under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Bifurcation) Act .