The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a cornerstone of India's rural job security for nearly two decades, is poised for a significant transformation. A new legislative proposal seeks to rebrand and potentially reshape the scheme, aligning it with the contemporary vision of a developed India.
From MGNREGA to Viksit Bharat Guranatee: The Proposed Overhaul
The central government has introduced a draft bill in Parliament that proposes renaming MGNREGA. The new suggested title is the 'Viksit Bharat Guranatee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025'. This move is not merely a change in nomenclature but is presented as an evolution to meet the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' or Developed India.
The proposal was discussed in detail during a recent parliamentary session on December 17, 2025. While the core guarantee of providing 100 days of wage employment per financial year to rural households remains a fundamental principle, the rebranding aims to inject a fresh perspective into the programme. The new name explicitly incorporates the words 'Rozgar' (employment) and 'Ajeevika' (livelihood), emphasizing its dual focus on immediate job creation and sustainable livelihood generation.
Context and Rationale Behind the Change
The discussion in Parliament highlighted that the proposed change reflects a shift in context since the scheme's inception. When launched, the programme was intrinsically linked to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and his vision for rural reconstruction. The proposed 'Viksit Bharat Guranatee' seeks to frame the scheme within the current national goal of achieving developed nation status.
Proponents of the change argue that a renewed mission is required to address present-day challenges and opportunities in rural India. The draft bill suggests that the revised framework will streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure that the welfare measure continues to be a vital social safety net while contributing more effectively to rural infrastructure and asset creation.
Potential Implications and the Road Ahead
The introduction of the draft bill marks the beginning of a legislative process. It will undergo scrutiny, debate, and possible amendments in both Houses of Parliament before it can become law. The key aspects that will be closely watched include:
- Continuity of Core Benefits: Whether the legal guarantee of 100 days of work will be preserved without dilution.
- Operational Changes: If the rebranding will be accompanied by significant changes in implementation, wage structures, or the types of works permitted.
- Funding and Coverage: How the renamed mission will be funded and whether it aims to expand or modify its coverage.
This proposed transition from MGNREGA to the Viksit Bharat Guranatee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission represents a pivotal moment for rural employment policy in India. It underscores the government's intent to modernize a historic scheme, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful for millions of rural households. The parliamentary debates in the coming sessions will be crucial in determining the final shape and substance of this proposed transformation.
