In a significant move to revamp rural employment, the Indian government is set to introduce a new legislative framework. The proposed G RAM G Bill aims to replace the long-standing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Key Provisions of the New Legislation
According to a copy of the Bill reviewed by PTI, the new law will provide a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment in a financial year. This guarantee is extended to every rural household in the country, provided its adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work. The announcement, made on 15 December 2025, marks a pivotal shift in the government's approach to rural job security and welfare.
How It Differs from MGNREGA
The existing MGNREGA scheme currently guarantees 100 days of wage employment per financial year to every rural household. The proposed G RAM G Bill increases this guarantee by 25 days, setting the new benchmark at 125 days. This enhancement is designed to provide greater economic stability and more sustained income support to families in rural India who depend on such manual work opportunities.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The introduction of this Bill signals a major policy overhaul. While the core principle of a legal right to work remains, the restructuring suggests an intent to streamline implementation and potentially address challenges faced under MGNREGA. The success of this new law will hinge on its execution, funding, and the actual generation of work opportunities on the ground to meet the increased guarantee.
The development, reported by PTI on 15 December 2025 at 18:46 IST, is expected to spark extensive debate in Parliament and among policy experts. Stakeholders will be closely analyzing the fine print of the G RAM G Bill to understand its full impact on rural livelihoods and the broader economy.
