New Delhi: In a landmark shift for rural labor policy, President Droupadi Murmu has given her official assent to the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025. The Rural Development Ministry confirmed the news on Sunday, marking the beginning of a new era for rural employment that seeks to replace the UPA-era MGNREGA.
From MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G
The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) introduces a significant upgrade to the existing rural employment framework. While MGNREGA initially guaranteed 100 days of work, the new legislation provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment for rural laborers.
The government has earmarked ₹95,000 crore for this initiative, aligning it with the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
Key Features of the New Legislation
The VB-G RAM G Bill aims to address long-standing inefficiencies and increase local empowerment through several key changes:
- Increased Work Days: Guaranteed employment is raised to 125 days annually.
- Empowering Local Bodies: Greater decision-making power is now vested in the Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas to identify relevant local projects.
- Targeted Protection: Enhanced focus on the elderly, differently-abled, women, and SC/ST communities.
- Financial Accountability: The bill aims to curb previous practices where funds were often misused or extracted without creating tangible assets.
“The proposed law will lead to the comprehensive development of villages,” stated Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Chouhan. “It is meant to provide abundant employment to every poor person while upholding their dignity.”
Transparency and Efficiency
A senior official noted that the transition aims to ensure public funds are spent more transparently. By moving away from projects carried out “merely to claim dues,” the new system focuses on genuine infrastructure and livelihood needs decided at the village level. This shift is intended to prevent states from avoiding material costs while relying solely on central contributions.