New Delhi, Nov 2 : The Central Government has notified new grievance redressal rules under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025. Under the new rules, complaints related to the implementation of the rural employment guarantee scheme must be resolved within 15 days.
The Ministry of Rural Development announced the VB-G RAM G Grievance Redressal Rules, 2026, on Monday. The rules introduce a three-tier complaint resolution system at the Gram Panchayat, block and district levels to ensure faster action on public grievances.
Three-Tier Grievance Redressal System
Under the new guidelines, state governments must establish a grievance redressal mechanism at three administrative levels. Designated officers at each level will be responsible for receiving, registering, investigating and resolving complaints.
People can submit their grievances through multiple channels, including:
- Direct submission at government offices
- Speed post
- Designated digital platforms
- Telephone helplines
- Other methods approved by state governments
The government has clarified that no complaint can be rejected because of its format, language, submission method or procedural shortcomings.
Complaints Must Be Registered Within One Working Day
All complaints received physically at Gram Panchayat, block or district offices must be entered into the designated digital platform on the same day.
If same-day registration is not possible, the complaint must be uploaded by the next working day.
After registration, complainants will receive an acknowledgement containing a unique registration number, the date of receipt and details of the authority that received the complaint.
Seven-Day Enquiry and 15-Day Resolution Deadline
The new VB-G RAM G Act grievance redressal rules establish clear deadlines for handling complaints.
According to the guidelines:
- Seven working days: The enquiry into a complaint must be completed within seven working days of receiving it.
- 15 days: The grievance must be resolved within 15 days.
- Escalation: Unresolved complaints must be forwarded to the next higher authority.
Grievance redressal officers can collect relevant documents, official records, reports and electronic data from concerned authorities during the investigation.
They can also provide complainants with an opportunity to present their concerns either in person or through electronic means, wherever necessary.
Unresolved Complaints to Be Escalated
If a complaint is not resolved within the prescribed 15-day period, it will automatically move to the next higher level under the grievance redressal mechanism established by the respective state government.
Such complaints will continue to be monitored through the digital platform until a final decision is taken.
At the district level, the District Programme Coordinator will supervise the grievance redressal process and ensure that complaints are handled through the designated authorities and digital infrastructure.
Appeal Facility for Complainants
The new rules also provide an appeal mechanism for people who are dissatisfied with orders passed under the grievance redressal system.
Appeals will be handled in accordance with Schedule I of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025.
The provision is intended to give citizens an additional opportunity to seek relief if their complaints are not addressed satisfactorily.
Government Aims to Improve Accountability
The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, provides the statutory framework for the Centre’s rural employment guarantee programme.
The newly notified grievance redressal rules establish a structured system for registering complaints, conducting enquiries, resolving disputes within fixed timelines and tracking their progress digitally.
The Ministry of Rural Development said the new provisions aim to make the complaint resolution process more accessible, transparent and accountable while ensuring that citizens’ concerns about the rural employment scheme receive timely attention.
