India’s rural employment landscape is poised for a major shift as the Centre introduces a new Bill aimed at replacing the long-running Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Tabled during the Winter Session of Parliament, the proposed legislation has already triggered sharp political reactions and set the stage for a heated debate between the government and the Opposition.
The move comes as the government reiterates its commitment to the larger vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, positioning the new framework as a forward-looking reform designed to modernise rural employment, improve transparency, and enhance livelihood security. However, critics argue that replacing a scheme closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi raises questions that go beyond policy.
As Parliament witnesses intense exchanges, the focus has shifted to what the new scheme promises, how it differs from MGNREGA, and why the renaming has become a flashpoint in the ongoing political discourse.
What Is the New VB G RAM G Bill?
The newly introduced Bill is officially titled The Viksit Bharat Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Grameen), abbreviated as VB G RAM G. According to the Centre, the Bill lays out a revamped framework for rural employment and livelihood creation, aligning grassroots development with long-term national goals.
The government has described the Bill as a comprehensive mission rather than a standalone employment scheme. It aims to integrate job creation with asset building, livelihood support, and resilience planning, especially in rural and semi-rural regions that remain vulnerable to economic shocks.
Background: The MGNREGA Legacy
MGNREGA was introduced in 2005 by the UPA government and has since been regarded as one of the most impactful social security programmes in rural India. It legally guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households, offering a safety net during periods of unemployment and agrarian distress.
Over the past two decades, the scheme has played a critical role in poverty alleviation, rural infrastructure development, and income support, particularly during economic downturns and natural calamities. Its association with Mahatma Gandhi has also given it symbolic and political significance.
Key Changes Proposed Under VB G RAM G
One of the most notable changes proposed in the new Bill is the increase in guaranteed employment days from 100 to 125 days. This move has been highlighted by the government as a step towards providing greater income security to rural households.
The Bill also introduces stricter timelines for wage payments. Payments are proposed to be made within 7 to 15 days after completion of work, with provisions for an unemployment allowance if deadlines are not met. This is intended to address long-standing concerns about delayed wages.
Categories of Work Under the New Scheme
Under VB G RAM G, work is proposed to be structured into four broad categories. These include water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood infrastructure, and disaster resilience. The government says this categorisation will ensure focused development outcomes.
The Bill also specifies that work will not be undertaken during peak agricultural seasons, ensuring that the scheme complements farming activities rather than disrupting them. This provision is aimed at balancing wage employment with agricultural productivity.
Technology, Transparency, and Accountability
To strengthen transparency, the new framework proposes the use of biometric verification and geotagging of assets and worksites. These measures are designed to curb leakages, prevent duplication, and ensure that benefits reach genuine beneficiaries.
Additionally, the Bill outlines a multi-level grievance redressal mechanism, allowing workers to raise complaints related to wages, work allocation, and implementation. The government claims this will make the system more responsive and accountable.
Funding Pattern and Cost Sharing
A major structural shift under VB G RAM G relates to funding. Unlike MGNREGA, where the Centre bears the full cost of unskilled wages, the new scheme proposes a shared funding model between the Centre and states.
The cost-sharing ratio is set at 60:40 for most states, 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan states, and 100 per cent central funding for Union territories. Out of the proposed annual expenditure of Rs 1.51 lakh crore, the Centre is expected to contribute Rs 95,692 crore.
Political Flashpoint Over the Name Change
The decision to replace MGNREGA has sparked strong reactions from the Congress, with senior leaders questioning the intent behind removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme. They argue that the change is symbolic rather than substantive and risks unnecessary expenditure on rebranding and administrative changes.
Opposition leaders have also accused the government of prioritising name changes over addressing core issues such as timely fund release to states, wage rate revisions, and effective implementation on the ground.
Congress प्रतिक्रिया and Opposition Criticism
Congress leaders have framed the move as part of a broader pattern of renaming institutions and schemes associated with national leaders from the past. They argue that instead of dismantling an established programme, the government should have focused on strengthening and expanding it.
The criticism has extended to Parliament functioning as well, with Opposition MPs alleging that crucial public issues are being sidelined while time and resources are spent on politically charged legislation.
Government’s Defence and Viksit Bharat Vision
The Centre, on the other hand, has defended the Bill as a reform-oriented step aligned with the vision of a developed India by 2047. It argues that VB G RAM G is not merely a renaming exercise but a restructuring aimed at improving efficiency, outcomes, and rural livelihoods.
Government sources have maintained that the increased workdays, faster payments, and clearer accountability mechanisms reflect a more worker-centric approach suited to contemporary challenges.
What Lies Ahead in Parliament
With a whip issued to ensure attendance, the government appears determined to push the Bill through Parliament. This signals that the debate around VB G RAM G is likely to intensify in the coming days, both inside and outside the House.
As discussions continue, the central question remains whether the new scheme will deliver on its promises without diluting the legal guarantees and social protections that made MGNREGA a cornerstone of rural welfare in India.
Impact on Rural India
For millions of rural households, the outcome of this legislative change could shape employment security, income stability, and access to basic livelihoods. The success of VB G RAM G will ultimately depend on how effectively it is implemented at the grassroots level.
As India watches the political battle unfold, the real test will be whether the proposed mission can balance reform with continuity, ensuring that rural workers remain at the heart of the nation’s development journey.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
