Union Minister Pabitra Margherita Unveils Revolutionary Rural Employment Act in Assam
In a significant development for rural India, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita addressed a press conference in Jorhat on Thursday, spotlighting the newly enacted Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. This landmark legislation represents a transformative step toward strengthening rural livelihoods and fostering inclusive growth across the nation, with particular emphasis on states like Assam.
Enhanced Employment Guarantee and Core Provisions
During his interaction with journalists, Minister Margherita elaborated on the Act's fundamental provisions, which elevate the guaranteed employment under rural schemes from 100 to 125 days annually. He described this as a pivotal enhancement aimed at providing stronger income security for rural households.
"This transformative legislation ensures timely wage payments, aligns public works with agricultural cycles, strengthens transparency through cutting-edge technology, and prioritises durable asset creation for long-term rural prosperity," Margherita stated. He emphasized the Act's potential to empower millions in agrarian regions, including Assam's tea gardens and flood-prone districts, by addressing migration distress and promoting local economic stability.
Building on MGNREGA with Digital Innovations
The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, replaces the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), introducing several innovative features. Margherita praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership in pushing this reform, which integrates digital tools for real-time monitoring and grievance redressal. This tech-driven approach includes Aadhaar-linked payments and GIS-mapped projects to curb leakages and ensure accountability.
Additionally, the Act introduces a 60-day agricultural pause during peak sowing and harvesting seasons to prevent labour shortages for farmers, thereby syncing job opportunities with local farming cycles. This alignment is designed to uphold the "dignity of labour" while supporting agricultural productivity.
Focus on Durable Assets and Sustainable Growth
Margherita highlighted that the Act shifts rural works toward creating durable, high-quality assets such as water conservation systems and climate-resilient infrastructure. This focus aims to foster sustainable rural growth and long-term prosperity.
"I commend Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for his committed leadership in steering a reform that aligns employment generation with productivity, accountability, and sustainable rural growth," Margherita added. Chouhan, a key architect of the Bill, has championed these tech-driven upgrades to enhance transparency and eliminate "ghost" entries in the system through biometric authentication.
Implications for Assam and Beyond
The enactment of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, is poised to have far-reaching impacts, particularly in regions like Assam, where rural economies face unique challenges. By bolstering employment guarantees and integrating advanced technology, the Act seeks to create a more resilient and prosperous rural landscape across India.
