India Replaces Landmark MGNREGA with New Viksit Bharat Rozgar Scheme

The Indian government is set to replace its flagship rural jobs program. A new bill has been circulated to Lok Sabha members. It aims to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The proposed law is called the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission.This major policy shift was confirmed by sources to PTI. The Winter Session of Parliament is currently underway. The session concludes on December 19. The move aligns with the national vision for a developed India by 2047.

Key Details of the New VB-GRAMG Bill

The new scheme guarantees 125 days of wage employment per year. This applies to rural households whose adult members volunteer for unskilled work. The old MGNREGA law guaranteed 100 days of work. The increase is a significant change in the government’s approach.According to the bill’s text, the focus will be on building national rural infrastructure. This includes projects for water security and core rural development. It also covers livelihood infrastructure and mitigating extreme weather events. The goal is to create a “prosperous and resilient rural Bharat.”

Broader Implications for Rural Development

This represents a fundamental restructuring of India’s social safety net. MGNREGA has been a critical source of income for millions since 2005. The new framework emphasizes “empowerment, growth, and convergence.” Analysts see it as a pivot from pure employment to integrated development.The change will impact rural economies nationwide. It shifts focus toward creating tangible assets and infrastructure. The success will depend on effective implementation and funding. According to Reuters, this is one of the most significant rural policy changes in nearly two decades.

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The proposed MGNREGA replacement marks a new chapter for rural India. The VB-GRAMG Bill’s passage will be closely watched. Its implementation will define support for rural households for years to come.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is the main change in the new bill?

The bill replaces MGNREGA’s 100-day guarantee with a 125-day guarantee. It also shifts focus from basic employment to building a national rural infrastructure stack through specific thematic works.

When will the new scheme take effect?

The bill must first be introduced and passed by Parliament. With the Winter Session ending December 19, the timeline for implementation will become clearer after parliamentary approval.

How does the new ‘Viksit Bharat’ focus differ?

The old act was primarily an employment guarantee. The new mission explicitly links work to national development goals, aiming to create permanent assets for a “developed India 2047.”

Who is eligible for the 125 days of work?

Eligibility remains for rural households. Adult members must volunteer for unskilled manual work. The basic structure of self-selection appears consistent with the previous law.

Why is the government making this change now?

Officials state it aligns with long-term national vision. The aim is to enhance the productivity of wage expenditure by creating durable community assets and targeted infrastructure.