The Ministry of Rural Development has notified the VB-G RAM G Grievance Redressal Rules, 2026, establishing a multi-tier mechanism to address complaints related to the implementation of the rural employment and livelihood scheme. The rules mandate completion of enquiries within seven working days and resolution of grievances within 15 days of receipt.
The rules provide for a structured grievance redressal system at the Gram Panchayat, Block and District levels, with designated Grievance Redressal Officers responsible for receiving, registering, examining and disposing of complaints. The District Programme Coordinator will oversee the mechanism at the district level and ensure that grievances are addressed through the prescribed institutional framework and digital platform.
The notification, issued on November 2, aims to make grievance redressal more accessible, transparent and accountable, ensuring that citizens' concerns receive timely attention.
Multiple channels for filing complaints
Under the rules, any person can submit a grievance relating to the implementation of the VB-G RAM G scheme through multiple channels. These include submitting complaints in person to the designated officer, sending them by speed post with proof of delivery, using the digital grievance redressal platform, or contacting designated helplines and other channels specified by State Governments.
Grievances received in physical form at the Gram Panchayat, Block or District level must be registered on the designated digital platform on the day of receipt or, where that is not feasible, by the next working day.
Complainants will receive an acknowledgement containing the registration number, date of receipt and designation of the receiving authority. Acknowledgements will be issued electronically or physically, depending on the mode of submission.
Importantly, no grievance can be refused registration on the grounds of its format, language, manner of submission or procedural deficiencies. This provision is intended to ensure that rural citizens are not denied access to the redressal mechanism because of technical or procedural requirements.
Enquiry within seven working days
The designated Grievance Redressal Officer must examine every registered complaint and conduct the necessary enquiry. Officers can seek relevant records, registers, documents, reports, electronic data and other information from concerned authorities or officials.
Where necessary, complainants must be given a reasonable opportunity to present their case, either in person or through electronic means, before the grievance is disposed of.
The enquiry must be completed within seven working days of receipt, while the grievance must be resolved within 15 days. Following the enquiry, the officer will record the findings and initiate appropriate corrective or remedial action in accordance with the Act and the rules.
The findings and action taken must be recorded on the designated digital platform and communicated to the complainant.
Unresolved grievances to be escalated
The digital platform will enable end-to-end tracking of complaints, from registration to final disposal. Grievances that remain unresolved within the prescribed 15 day period will be escalated to the next higher level through the State Government's grievance redressal mechanism.
The higher authority will examine the matter and take appropriate action. Such complaints will continue to be monitored electronically until their resolution.
The rules also provide for appeals against orders passed under the grievance redressal mechanism. Appeals will be filed and disposed of in accordance with Schedule I of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025.
The notification seeks to strengthen administrative accountability and improve the responsiveness of scheme implementation, while reinforcing the rights and entitlements of rural households.