President Murmu gives assent to VB-G RAM G Act, replacing MGNREGA with 125-day job guarantee

The new rural employment law promises at least 125 days of wage work per household, aligns with the Vikshit Bharat@2047 vision, and comes with higher funding and administrative support amid opposition protests.

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday gave her assent to the Viksit Bharat- Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, officially replacing the UPA-era Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Bill, which was passed by Parliament amid strong opposition protests, marks a major shift in India’s rural employment framework.

Following the President’s approval, the legislation has come into force as the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025. A formal notification announcing the enactment was published in the Gazette of India on December 21.

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According to the notification, the new law aims to create a rural development framework aligned with the national vision of Vikshit Bharat@2047. It provides a statutory guarantee of not less than 125 days of wage employment per rural household in every financial year for households whose adult members are willing to undertake unskilled manual work.

The Ministry of Rural Development said the new provision enhances the earlier entitlement of 100 days under MGNREGA, 2005, and is expected to improve livelihood security, work predictability, and income stability for rural families.

The Bill, however, has faced criticism from opposition parties, who have demanded its withdrawal. Responding to the criticism, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said misinformation was being spread about the new law. In a video message and a post on X, he said, “Once again, a conspiracy is underway to mislead the country in the name of MGNREGA,” adding that the VB-G RAM G scheme is pro-poor and offers a complete employment guarantee.

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Chouhan further stated that the scheme goes beyond MGNREGA and has been backed by substantial funding. For the current year, the government has proposed an allocation of over ₹1,51,282 crore to ensure uninterrupted employment opportunities.

He also highlighted an important change in administrative support, noting that administrative expenses have been increased from 6% to 9%. This translates to nearly ₹13,000 crore from the total proposed outlay, which, he said, will help ensure timely salary payments and better execution of works at the ground level.