Government Launches VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 Replacing MGNREGA Context: Government of India notified the implementation of the Viksit Bharat –Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB–G RAM G] Act, 2025 on 11 May 2026. The Act will be implemented across the country from 1 July 2026. Replacement of MGNREGA With the enforcement of the new law, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will stand repealed from the same date. The transition marks a major shift in India’s rural development and employment framework. Objective of the New Act The VB–G RAM G Act aims to promote integrated, productivity-oriented and future-ready rural transformation aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Enhanced Employment Guarantee Every rural household with adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work will receive a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment annually. The increased employment guarantee is intended to strengthen livelihood security and improve rural incomes. Unemployment Allowance Employment must be provided within the prescribed timeframe after demand for work is made. If employment is not provided, eligible workers will receive unemployment allowance as per the provisions of the Act. Wage Payment Provisions Wages will continue to be transferred directly into workers’ bank or post office accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Wage payments must be made weekly or within 15 days after closure of the muster roll. Workers will be entitled to compensation in case of delayed wage payments. Budget Allocation For the financial year 2026–27, the Central Government has allocated ₹95,692.31 crore for the programme. It is the highest-ever Budget Estimate allocation for a rural employment scheme in India. Including State contributions, the total programme outlay is expected to exceed ₹1.51 lakh crore. Expected Benefits The programme is expected to boost rural infrastructure development, employment generation and enhancement of rural…
