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Full Form of VLW: Village Level Worker
The Village Level Worker (VLW) is a critical government post in the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj framework in India. It acts as a link between the village society with the state or central government departments and provides direct access to development plans and welfare measures at the village level.
Role and Relevance of VLWs to Rural Development
VLWs are essential in supporting rural development. Some of their functions are:
- Implementation of Government Schemes that are connected to agriculture, health, education, sanitation, employment like MGNREGA, and rural poverty alleviation.
- Supporting the Gram Panchayat in planning and developing village plans and programs.
- Managing records of villages, lists of beneficiaries, and surveys of rural service delivery and government audits.
Why VLWs Matter
- Direct Link to Citizens: VLWs are the field level government agents who work directly with villages to handle their day-to-day issues.
- Implementation of Schemes: If the government provides subsidies for housing, crop insurance, or job cards, it is VLWs who carry out the plans and help others implement these plans.
- Monitoring and Reporting: VLWs hold regular meetings to report progress under the plans, give beneficiary feedback, and inform higher officials of issues faced on the ground.
VLW Full Form and Job Details
What is a Village Level Worker (VLW)?
The VLW stands for Village Level Worker. A VLW is a government functionary working at the grassroots level and is appointed by the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department. This designation is meant to connect rural communities to their local government for receiving welfare schemes and effective delivery of developmental services.
VLWs are usually posted at the Gram Panchayat level or a group of villages and typically would be the first point of contact with villagers seeking help with various government services.
Village Level Worker Key Responsibilities
Village Level Workers work in various facets and have a lot of meaningful work to do, including:
Implementing Government Schemes
- Implement key flagship schemes such as, MGNREGA, PMAY (housing), Swachh Bharat (sanitation), and rural employment schemes.
Facilitation for Gram Panchayats
- Aid Gram Sevaks, Sarpanches, and Panchayat Secretaries in developing and executing development projects.
Conducting Field Surveys
- Collect authentic information for rural development plans, including identification of beneficiaries and evaluation of government schemes.
Maintaining Village Records
- Record births, deaths, ration cards lists, employment rolls, and welfare beneficiaries.
Awareness
- Conduct awareness drives related to Health, Education, hygiene, agriculture and women's empowerment issues facing the villages.
Monitoring Development Projects
- Observe how development projects are progressing on the ground; abhiyan on roads, water
VLW Salary Structure: State-wise & Role - Wise Overview (2025)
The table provides a comprehensive overview of the VLW salary structure across different states and roles for 2025.
Post / State | Pay Scale (₹) | In-Hand Salary (₹) | Allowances | Remarks / Career Progression |
VLW – Jharkhand | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100(Level 3) | ₹28,000 – ₹32,000 (approx.) | DA, HRA, TA, Medical, PF | Promotable to Panchayat Secretary or Block Coordinator |
VLW – Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200(Level 2) | ₹20,200 (during probation) | DA, HRA, TA (limited), No full perks | In-hand rises to ₹26,000+ after probation perJKSSB norms |
Block VLW / Panchayat Executive Officer | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100(Level 4) | ₹32,000 – ₹38,000 | Full DA, HRA, TA, Medical, Annual Increments | Supervisory role, often promoted from VLW or selected via PSC |
Gram Panchayat Executive Officer (GPEO) | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300(Level 5) | ₹38,000 – ₹42,000+ | DA, HRA, TA, Bonus, Festival Grants | Higher authority than VLW, part of Panchayati Raj Admin hierarchy |
JKSSB VLW Job Description: Roles & Responsibilities
The Village Level Worker in J&K plays a critical field level function in the implementation of all government welfare schemes and rural development programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Implementation of Rural Development Schemes - MGNREGA, PMAY, SBM and other centrally/state-sponsored rural development programs.
- Public Awareness Campaigns - Campaigning to create public awareness on health, education, hygiene and sanitation, women welfare, etc.
- Community Mobilisation - Mobilising communities and the people in the village to participate in Gram Sabha and development works.
- Farmer and SHG Linkage - Linking the farmers, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and unemployed youth to get benefits of the scheme.
- Data Collection and Reporting - Collecting village level data and sending reports to Block Development Offices for planning and monitoring.
- Facilitate Panchayat Administration - Supporting Sarpanches, Panches and Panchayat Secretaries.
Career Growth and Promotion
This section provides an overview of the career advancement opportunities and promotional pathways for VLW employees
Level | Designation | Timeframe (Approx.) |
Entry Level | VLW (Village Level Worker) | – |
1st Promotion | Inspector Grade-II | After 5–7 years |
2nd Promotion | Inspector Grade-I | 3–5 years post promotion |
3rd Promotion | Block Development Officer (BDO) | Based on vacancy & performance |
VLW Pay Scale & Allowances: National Comparison (2023–2025)
The table outlines the potential career growth and promotional prospects associated with the VLW position.
State | Pay Scale (₹) | In-Hand Salary (₹) | Key Allowances |
Odisha | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 | ₹28,000 – ₹32,000 | DA, HRA, TA, Medical, Pension |
Jharkhand | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 | ₹30,000 | DA, HRA, Rural Posting Allowance |
Jammu & Kashmir | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 | ₹26,000(post probation) | DA, HRA, TA, Limited benefits during probation |
UP (Gram Vikas Adhikari) | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ₹32,000 – ₹35,000 | DA, HRA, TA, Bonus |
Bihar (VLE/Gram Sevak) | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 | ₹29,000 – ₹31,000 | DA, HRA, TA, Medical |
Eligibility Criteria and Post Qualifications for VLW
If you are aiming for your VLW or PEO post then this is what you need:
Educational Qualifications
- Minimum: 10+2 (Higher Secondary) pass from a recognized board.
- Some states may prefer graduates or have separate exam for graduate level PEO.
- Must have proficiency in the regional language (e.g. for Odisha, Odia; for UP/Bihar, Hindi).
Age Limit & Relaxations
This section outlines the age elgibility criteria and relaxarions applicable for the VLW recruitment.
Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Relaxation |
General | 18 years | 38 years | – |
SC/ST/SEBC | 18 years | 43 years | 5 years |
Women (All Categories) | 18 years | 43 years | 5 years |
PwD | 18 years | 48 years | 10 years |
VLW Recruitment: Overview State Wise (2025)
The Village Level Worker (VLW) post is recruited by respective State Recruitment Boards depending on the locality. The recruitment fee involves a written exam, document verification, and sometimes an interview or physical verification.
Important recruitment boards by states
This table lists the key recruitment boards responsible for VLW selection across different states.
State | Recruitment Body |
Jammu & Kashmir | JKSSB – Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board |
Odisha | OSSSC – Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission |
Jharkhand | JSSC – Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission |
Bihar | BSSC / Panchayati Raj Department |
Uttar Pradesh | UPSSSC – UP Subordinate Services Commission |
General VLW Application Process
- Publications of Official notification on the respective board’s website.
- Online application through the official portal (jkssb.nic.in, osssc.gov.in).
- Application fee payment (₹100 – ₹500 depending on the category/state).
- Written examinations (Objective type paper based on syllabus).
- Document verification (After selection candidates must provide original educational and identity documents).
- Final Merit List (Based on marks as well as verifying eligibility).
VLW Recruitment: Important Dates (2025)
This section highlights the key dates and schedule for VLW recruitment in 2025
Event | Tentative Schedule (Varies by State) |
Notification Release | Jan – Jul 2025 |
Application Window | Within 30–45 days from notification |
Admit Card Release | 1–2 weeks before exam |
Written Exam | 2–4 months after application close |
Result Declaration | Within 1–2 months post exam |
Syllabus and Exam Pattern for VLW (JKSSB Focused)
The table details the syllabus and exam pattern specifically focused on the JKSSB VLW recruitment.
Section | Marks | Questions | Duration |
General Awareness | 20 | 20 | |
Basic Mathematics | 20 | 20 | |
General Science | 20 | 20 | |
Reasoning & Mental Ability | 20 | 20 | |
English Language | 20 | 20 | |
Total | 100 | 100 | 90 mins |
JKSSB VLW Syllabus (Section-Wise )
General Awareness
- History, Geography & Culture of J&K
- Current Affairs (National & Local)
- Indian Polity, Constitution, Panchayati Raj
- Schemes formulated by Government (particularly Rural)
Maths
- Basic Arithmetic
- Compare number/number measures
- LCM/HCF
- Ratio of quantitative or linear time & work, percentage
- Profit-Loss, Average
- Simple & Compound Interest
General Science
- Understanding basic physics, chemistry, biology (Class 8-10)
- Familiarity with everyday science, rural background
Reasoning
- Coding and Decoding
- Series Completion
- Blood Relations
- Puzzles & Classification
English Language
- Grammar & Usage
- Synonyms / antonyms
- Rearrangement of Sentences
- Passage comprehension
How to Download JKSSB VLW Syllabus PDF
Here is the official VLW syllabus PDF for your convenience:
- Go to the website: https://jkssb.nic.in
- Go to "Syllabus" or search for Advt. No. and post code
- Or Download Syllabus Directly from Notification [PDF link - if applicable].
Tips for Preparation for VLW Exam:
- Read NCERT Books (Class 6-10) for Science and Maths basics.
- Read Daily and Monthly local newspapers and magazines for current affairs.
- Read reasoning & aptitude books (i.e. R.S. Aggarwal) or quizzes to practice.
- Attempt previous year question papers to have an understanding of the pattern.
- Time Mock Tests to develop speed and accuracy.
Comparison Table: VLW vs. Similar Rural Development Posts
This comparison table highlights the key difference and similarities between VLW and other similar rural development posts.
Post | Pay Scale (₹) | In-Hand Salary (₹) | Key Benefits |
VLW (J&K) | 19,900 – 63,200 | 26,000 | DA, HRA, TA, medical, promo |
VLW (Jharkhand) | 21,700 – 69,100 | 28,000 | DA, HRA, TA, pension |
Gram Panchayat Executive Officer | 25,500 – 81,100 | 32,000 | Higher pay, more perks |
