In a significant move for rural welfare, President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday granted her assent to the pivotal VB-G RAM G Bill. This legislative action marks a substantial enhancement to India's rural employment framework, directly increasing the statutory guarantee of wage employment for households in the countryside.
A Landmark Legislative Step for Rural India
The core provision of the newly enacted Act is the expansion of the rural job scheme entitlement. It legally elevates the number of days of wage employment guaranteed to rural households from the previous mandate to a strengthened 125 days per year. This increase is designed to provide greater financial security and stability to families dependent on such employment opportunities, especially during lean agricultural seasons.
The approval, dated 21 December 2025, was confirmed late in the evening, setting the stage for the implementation of the enhanced scheme across the nation's villages.
Government Hails Transparency and Progressive Vision
Reacting to the presidential assent, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi commended the legislation. He characterized the new VB-G RAM G Bill as a transparent and progressive policy instrument. According to Joshi, the Act is not merely about increasing the number of days but is structured to ensure more efficient and accountable delivery of employment, aligning with the government's broader goals for rural development and poverty alleviation.
The government's emphasis on the terms "transparent & progressive" signals an intent to address past criticisms regarding the implementation of rural employment guarantees, focusing on reducing delays in wage payments and ensuring proper work measurement.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The immediate consequence of the Act is the creation of a stronger legal safety net for millions of rural workers. By raising the guarantee to 125 days, the policy aims to:
- Boost household income and consumption in rural economies.
- Provide a more reliable fallback option against agrarian distress and unemployment.
- Accelerate the creation of durable assets in rural areas through focused projects.
The success of this enhanced rural employment guarantee will now hinge on its execution. The focus will shift to state administrations and local bodies to operationalize the increased days effectively, ensuring that the intended benefits reach the grassroots without leakage or corruption. This development is poised to be a central theme in the government's narrative on job creation and social security as it impacts a vast demographic across India's heartland.
