Government Invites Public Logo Designs for Viksit Bharat Rural Jobs Programme

The Union Ministry of Rural Development has launched a nationwide logo design competition for the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM-G) , inviting citizens to creatively contribute to the branding of the government’s new rural employment initiative. The competition is being hosted on the MyGov citizen engagement platform as part of efforts to promote public participation and awareness about the programme.

In a post on social media platform X, the ministry urged designers, students and citizens to submit original logo concepts that reflect the vision of rural development, employment generation and livelihood security . The last date for submitting entries is March 20 , and the winner will receive a cash prize of ₹50,000 . According to the ministry, the selected design will be officially adopted for communication, publicity and promotional activities related to the Act and its associated programmes.

Officials said the initiative aims to encourage wider public engagement with a key rural development programme aligned with the government’s broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The logo is expected to symbolise inclusive rural growth, economic empowerment and sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities across India’s villages.

The contest comes at a time when the government is preparing to roll out the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 , which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005 , one of India’s largest rural welfare programmes. The new law represents a significant restructuring of the rural employment guarantee framework.

Under the Act, rural households whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work will be entitled to a statutory guarantee of up to 125 days of wage employment in a financial year , compared to the 100 days of work guaranteed under MGNREGA . The government has said the revised framework seeks to strengthen rural livelihoods while linking employment programmes with the creation of durable rural infrastructure and development-oriented assets .

At the same time, the policy shift has triggered debate among political parties and civil society groups. Critics argue that replacing MGNREGA may weaken the rights-based nature of the earlier programme , which legally guaranteed employment on demand. Some have also raised concerns that the new system could lead to greater centralisation and reduced flexibility for states in implementing rural employment schemes.

The government has rejected these claims, maintaining that the new Act is designed to enhance transparency, accountability and effectiveness in rural employment programmes. Officials say the initiative will strengthen job guarantees while improving monitoring systems and ensuring that employment generation contributes to long-term rural development and infrastructure creation .

With the logo design competition now open to the public, the Rural Development Ministry hopes the initiative will build greater awareness and citizen involvement as the new employment mission takes shape.