New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has officially signed the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025. This new law, known as VB—G RAM G, replaces the 20-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The move marks a major shift in how the Indian government handles jobs and development in rural areas. 
President Murmu Approves VB-G RAM G: 125 Days Work Guarantee Replaces MGNREGA


More Work for Rural Households

The most significant change under the new Act is the increase in guaranteed work. Previously, MGNREGA promised 100 days of manual work per year to rural families. The VB—G RAM G Act increases this guarantee to 125 days. This change aims to provide better income and more security for millions of people living in villages.

Supporting Farmers and Agriculture

The new law also introduces a "pause period." States can now stop work under this scheme for up to 60 days a year. The government designed this to help farmers. During busy times like sowing or harvesting, workers often prefer to work on farms. By pausing the government scheme during these weeks, the law ensures that enough labor is available for agriculture.

Faster Payments and Better Rules

The Act focuses heavily on worker rights and accountability:
  • Quick Wages: The law mandates that workers must receive their pay every week. If a payment takes longer than 15 days, the government must pay extra compensation for the delay.
  • Unemployment Allowance: If the government fails to provide work within 15 days of a request, it must pay an "unemployment allowance." This acts as a safety net for workers when no jobs are available.
  • Building Assets: Instead of just providing temporary jobs, the Act focuses on building "durable assets." This includes projects for water security, roads, and infrastructure that will help villages grow in the long term.

A Modern Vision for 2047

The Ministry of Rural Development stated that the new law is a key part of the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. It uses modern technology, like biometric attendance and digital tracking, to make the system transparent. The government believes this transition will turn rural employment from a simple welfare program into a powerful tool for national growth.