Overview
The government launched the VB‑G RAM G two months ago. To be eligible, workers must have their job cards verified through e‑KYC. The latest data show that only 71% of all registered workers and 94.88% of active workers have completed e‑KYC, leaving millions unverified.
Key Developments
- Union Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that existing e‑KYC‑verified job cards will stay valid until new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards are issued.
- The Rural Development Ministry set two deadlines (30 Jan 2026 and 12 Feb 2026) for states to finish e‑KYC for all active workers, but the targets were missed.
- July 2026 person‑day generation: 7.67 crore under VB‑G RAM G versus 15.33 crore under MGNREGS a year earlier – a 49.94% decline.
- State‑wise e‑KYC rates vary: Tamil Nadu leads with 99.32% (active) and 84.89% (registered); Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar lag behind.
Important Facts
• Total registered workers: ~8.03 crore (derived from 71% verification leaving 57 lakh unverified).
• Active workers (worked at least once in last three years): 94.88% e‑KYC verified, yet 57 lakh remain unverified.
• The Ministry has allowed limited exceptions for non‑e‑KYC job cards, emphasizing that “no eligible worker will be left behind.”
Exam Relevance
Understanding the e‑KYC rollout is crucial for GS III (Economy & Development) and GS II (Governance). It illustrates challenges in implementing large‑scale welfare schemes, the role of digital identity in service delivery, and inter‑governmental coordination. Questions may ask about the effectiveness of VB‑G RAM G compared to MGNREGS, the impact of digital verification on employment security, or the administrative hurdles faced by states.
Way Forward
- Accelerate e‑KYC enrolment by leveraging existing Aadhaar infrastructure and mobile outreach.
- Provide clear timelines and incentives for states that achieve >95% verification among all workers.
- Monitor person‑day generation closely to ensure VB‑G RAM G meets its employment guarantee objective.
- Address the 57 lakh unverified workers through targeted awareness campaigns and simplified verification procedures.
Timely completion of e‑KYC will determine whether VB‑G RAM G can deliver uninterrupted wages and sustain rural employment, a key indicator for the government’s poverty‑alleviation agenda.