G RAM G to Replace MGNREGA: New Bill Promises 125 Days of Guaranteed Rural Employment

New Delhi: There has been a stir in the winter session of Parliament. The government is bringing a new bill to completely replace MGNREGA—the Vikas Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill 2025, which is being called VB-G RAM G in short. MGNREGA of 2005, which provided 100 days of guaranteed employment to rural families, is now about to become history. The new bill promises 125 days, but major changes are being made to the funding and structure. 

What is the new bill bringing, and how different is it from MNREGA?

The VB-GRAM G Bill is linked to the vision of Developed India 2047. Guarantee of 125 days of unskilled work to every rural household, which is more than 100 days of MGNREGA. Wages will remain the same, and payments will be made weekly or every 15 days. But the big twist is a 60-day 'pause' in the agricultural season so that laborers are available for farming. The focus will now be on empowerment, growth, and infrastructure.  

What changes in funding? Why will the burden on states increase?

The Center used to bear the entire cost of wages in MGNREGA. The new bill has a 60:40 ratio—Center 60%, State 40%. In some reports, the Centre's share is higher for the Northeast and Himalayan states. Earlier it was demand-driven; now the center will give fixed allocation. States may have to bear extra expenses themselves.  

Why is the government saying this is necessary, and the opposition is angry?

Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan says MGNREGA worked well for 20 years, but now rural India has changed—better connectivity, housing, and digital access. The new framework focuses on sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience. But the opposition is screaming—Congress's Priyanka Gandhi asks, "What is the intention of removing Mahatma Gandhi's name?" CPIM MP John Brittas says this is ending the right to work and putting a burden on the states.  Activists are calling this the end of the rights-based scheme.

What next? Will there be a storm in Parliament?

The bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha; the process of discussion and passing will continue. Session till 19th December. If passed, a new story of rural employment will begin. Impact on the lives of millions of workers – Some will get more work, but questions remain over the financial condition and demand of the states. What is the real need of rural India—old guarantee or new vision? Time will tell, but the debate has already become heated.