The Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, has announced a historic milestone with the nationwide rollout of the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Act across rural India starting July 1, 2026. This landmark legislation replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and introduces a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per financial year for every rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work.
Key Features of the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Act
The new act aims to strengthen rural livelihoods by providing enhanced employment security. Under the framework, eligible households will receive a minimum of 125 days of guaranteed work, up from the previous 100 days under MGNREGA. The government has allocated a historic budget of ₹95,692 crore to ensure seamless implementation.
Seamless Transition from MGNREGA
To ensure continuity, the transition from MGNREGA to the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Act will be managed smoothly. Existing job card holders and ongoing projects will be integrated into the new system without disruption. The Ministry of Rural Development has issued guidelines for state governments to facilitate this transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has released a set of frequently asked questions to clarify the act's provisions. Key points include:
- Eligibility: All rural households with adult members willing to do unskilled manual work are entitled to the guarantee.
- Employment Days: A statutory guarantee of 125 days per financial year, with provisions for additional days in case of natural calamities or special projects.
- Wages: Wages will be paid as per the minimum wage rates notified by the central government, with adjustments for inflation.
- Works: Focus on asset creation, water conservation, afforestation, and rural infrastructure development.
Implementation Timeline
The act will be effective from July 1, 2026, with a phased rollout initially in select districts, followed by nationwide coverage. State governments are required to prepare action plans and identify worksites in advance. The Ministry of Rural Development will monitor progress through a dedicated portal.
Expected Impact
The Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Act is expected to benefit over 10 crore rural households, reducing migration to urban areas and boosting local economies. By guaranteeing more work days, the government aims to enhance income security and promote sustainable development in line with the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision.
For more details, citizens can visit the official website of the Ministry of Rural Development or contact their local gram panchayat.
