Government has proposed an interim budget allocation of 95,692 crore rupees to states and union territories to ensure a smooth transition from MNREGA to Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G). The Act will come into force across the country with effect from 1st of July. Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced this in a media briefing after holding a virtual meeting with the rural development ministers of the states and UTs in New Delhi. He said that the government has asked states and union territories to make necessary preparations ahead of the implementation of the Act. He said that 26 states have made budgetary provisions, while Jharkhand, Karnataka, Telangana and Mizoram have also assured to initiate the process. The Minister further clarified that no state’s allocation has been reduced and the budget has been increased by 40 percent compared to last year. Mr Chouhan stressed that the aim of VB-G RAM G is to accelerate rural development and provide employment to labourers without any interruption.