VB-G RAM G Bill 2025: 7 Shocking Changes That Replace MGNREGA

17 Dec 2025 16:29 IST

The Indian government has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new law, the VB-G RAM G Bill 2025 (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)). This new legislation aims to further strengthen employment opportunities in rural areas.

What is the new VB-G RAM G Bill compared to MGNREGA?

MGNREGA

Rural households will be guaranteed 125 days of employment per year (previously 100 days).
This law will provide opportunity-based wage employment to manual laborers, provided they are available for work.
Its objective is to promote rural livelihoods, infrastructure development, and sustainable job creation.

What are the differences between the two acts? (MGNREGA vs VB-G RAM G)

Feature	MGNREGA (2005)	VB-G RAM G Bill 2025
Guaranteed Work Days	100 days of guaranteed wage employment per year	125 days of guaranteed employment
Name & Identity	Named after Mahatma Gandhi (MGNREGA)	VB-G RAM G – Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment & Livelihood Mission (Rural)
Nature of Scheme	Rights-based scheme (Right to Work)	Mandatory employment with development-oriented work planning
Funding Pattern	100% wage cost funded by the Central Government	60:40 cost-sharing between Centre and States (higher state responsibility)
Focus of Work	Mainly wage-based manual labour	Water conservation, rural infrastructure, livelihood creation, and climate-resilient works
Job Card / Registration	Traditional MGNREGA Job Card	New Rural Employment Guarantee Card (detailed rules to be notified)

Will there now be 125 days of employment per year?

MGNREGA

Yes, under the VB-G RAM G Bill, if a person is able and available to work, they will be provided with employment for up to 125 days in each financial year, which is more than the 100 days under MGNREGA.

Objectives of the changes to MGNREGA:

To further strengthen employment and livelihoods in rural areas
To build rural infrastructure (water, roads, agricultural support)
To increase rural participation in the economy
To accelerate rural development in line with the developed India goal of 2047

The government says this will help reduce the economic pressures of inflation and poverty and improve rural living standards.

What will be the government's next step?

The VB-G RAM G Bill 2025 is currently awaiting passage in Parliament.
Only after its passage will it become law and completely replace MGNREGA.
Some political parties have also started protesting and debating the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from MGNREGA.

VB-G RAM G Bill 2025 – Pros (Advantages)

1. Increased Employment Days

Employment guarantee increased from 100 days to 125 days
Improvement in the annual income of rural households

2. Focus on Infrastructure Development

Water conservation, roads, irrigation, climate-resilient projects
Not just wages, but creation of productive assets

3. Alignment with the Developed India 2047 Vision

Target of long-term rural livelihoods and self-reliant villages
Increased rural participation in the economy

4. Planned & Structured Employment

Work through Gram Panchayat development plans
Priority-based projects instead of random works

5. Helps in Reducing Inflationary Pressure

More working days = more income
Expected improvement in rural purchasing power

VB-G RAM G Bill 2025 – Cons (Disadvantages / Concerns)

1. “Right to Work” May Be Weakened

MGNREGA was demand-driven
The new law is planning and availability-based

2. Increased Financial Burden on States

Funding is now 60:40 (Centre:State)
May be a challenge for poorer states

3. Political Controversy Over Removal of Gandhi's Name

Opposition claims: ideological agenda
Social and political protests may increase

4. Implementation Risk

If planning is weak, the 125-day benefit may remain only on paper
Transparency and monitoring will be crucial

5. Impact on Seasonal Workers

Provision for pausing work during sowing/harvesting time
Uncertainty for daily wage laborers

MGNREGA