The government has released draft rules for implementing the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G), which will replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from July 1. The rules, published by the Ministry of Rural Development in the e-Gazette on Friday, outline the institutional, financial, administrative, and grievance redressal framework for the new rural employment program. They are open for public consultation for 30 days before finalization.
Transition from MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G
In a review meeting on Saturday, the Ministry of Rural Development advised states and union territories to ensure timely completion of ongoing MGNREGA works before the revised framework commences. However, it was emphasized that ongoing works as of June 30 will be transitioned under VB-G RAM G, as highlighted in the transition rules. The rules also state that existing e-KYC-verified MGNREGA job cards will remain temporarily valid until new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards are issued. Fresh works may be opened if ongoing projects are insufficient to meet labor demand.
Key Provisions of the Draft Rules
The ministry has issued eight notifications covering transitional provisions, the National Level Steering Committee, the Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council, parameters for normative allocations, expenditure beyond normative allocations, administrative expenses, grievance redressal, and payment of wages and unemployment allowances. The central government will determine the normative allocation of funds for each state based on objective parameters. An indicative framework for categorizing Gram Panchayats into A/B/C categories has also been shared with states and union territories to facilitate planning and implementation.
Increased Job Guarantee and Payment Mechanism
The new law raises the annual employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days. Direct benefit transfer will continue as the mode for payment of wages and unemployment allowance. At the review meeting, Secretary of Rural Development Rohit Kansal shared that the Labour Budget for June has been approved for all states and union territories based on projected demand. Mother sanctions amounting to Rs 26,971 crore under MGNREGS have been issued for wage, material, administrative, and social audit unit components to ensure uninterrupted fund flow and continued implementation of works during the transition.
Institutional Framework
The draft rules highlight the establishment of a Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council chaired by the Rural Development Minister. This council will set up a central evaluation and monitoring system and advise the central government on implementation. A National Level Steering Committee chaired by the Secretary of Rural Development will provide high-level strategic oversight and recommend decisions on normative allocations to states.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism
According to the draft Grievance Redressal Rules, states will establish a technologically equipped, time-bound, multi-tier grievance redressal mechanism from the gram panchayat level to the state level.
