A key parliamentary committee recently held a crucial meeting to discuss the functioning of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the path forward for implementing a new legislation.
Unanimous Support for New Legislation
According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the parliamentary panel's discussion revealed no opposition from any member towards the proposed VB-G RAM G Act. The focus of the meeting was on identifying strategies to ensure the new act is adopted smoothly across the country.
This consensus highlights a shared parliamentary intent to address the challenges observed in the current rural employment guarantee framework.
Concerns Over Low Enrolment Under MGNREGA
A significant point of concern raised by several committee members was the reportedly low enrolment rate under the existing MGNREGA scheme. Sources indicated that enrolment was only around 50 per cent in many states, pointing to a major gap in the scheme's reach and effectiveness.
This critical shortcoming formed a central part of the panel's review, underscoring the need for systemic improvements to ensure welfare schemes deliver their intended benefits to the rural workforce.
The Path Forward for Rural Employment
The meeting, which took place on 29 December 2025, served as a platform to scrutinize the operational hurdles of MGNREGA. The dialogue then pivoted to how the VB-G RAM G Act could be structured and rolled out to overcome these historical deficiencies.
By addressing the enrolment gaps and other shortcomings, the government aims to create a more robust and accessible rural employment safety net. The parliamentary panel's discussions are a vital step in refining policy before its wider implementation.
The outcome of this review is expected to inform official recommendations, shaping the future of India's flagship rural employment program and its successor legislation.
