President Murmu gives assent to VB–G RAM G Bill, replacing MGNREGA

President Murmu clears the VB–G RAM G Bill, introducing a new rural jobs scheme aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047

December 21, 2025

Centre ushers in new rural employment framework with VB–G RAM G Act

VB–G RAM G Bill becomes law, guarantees 125 days of rural employment

The VB–G RAM G Bill, 2025, cleared by Parliament earlier this week, has received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent, the Union Ministry of Rural Development said on Sunday, paving the way for a major overhaul of India’s rural employment framework.

The legislation introduces the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), a new scheme aimed at replacing the UPA-era Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

125 days of guaranteed rural employment

Under the new law, the government has provided a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment for rural labourers, an increase over MGNREGA’s original guarantee of 100 days.

While states were earlier allowed to extend employment by up to 50 additional days, and the NDA government had expanded coverage to 150 days for Scheduled Tribe communities in forest areas, the Centre said the new framework establishes a uniform, legally guaranteed baseline.

The government has positioned the scheme as part of its long-term national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, aimed at aligning rural development with broader economic growth goals.

Focus on transparency and efficient spending

According to the Rural Development Ministry, the intent of the VB–G RAM G Bill is to ensure more efficient utilisation of public funds, along with enhanced transparency and accountability in rural employment programmes.

A senior official told Hindustan Times that under MGNREGA, several states often avoided spending on material costs and instead attempted to maximise claims on the Centre’s contribution.

The new legislation seeks to address these distortions by shifting decision-making closer to the grassroots.

Greater role for gram sabhas

Under the VB–G RAM G framework, gram panchayats and gram sabhas will be given greater authority to decide local development works, rather than funds being allocated to projects designed primarily to claim employment days.

The government believes this change will lead to more meaningful asset creation and prevent the mechanical execution of works with limited developmental impact.

₹95,000 crore allocation

The Centre has earmarked ₹95,000 crore for the implementation of the new scheme.

Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the law would enable the “comprehensive development of villages” and ensure dignity-based employment.

“The proposed law is meant to provide abundant employment to every poor person, uphold their dignity, and offer additional protection to the differently-abled, elderly, women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes,” Chouhan said.

With presidential assent now secured, the government is expected to notify rules and begin implementation of the scheme in the coming months.

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