VB-G RAM G Bill Gets President Murmu's Assent, Now Becomes Law

President Droupadi Murmu has authorised the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025.

This paves the way for changes to India’s rural employment scheme.

After this approval, the new law, which emphasises the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, has replaced the 20-year-old MGNREGA law.

Rural Job Guarantee Scheme Extended to 125 Days from 100 Days

One major change to see is the increase in the rural job guarantee scheme from 100 days to 125 days a year.

According to the government, workers are at an advantage as the previous 100-day limit was used as a maximum, not a promise.

With this new VB-G RAM G Bill, we will also notice changes in the funding of the scheme.

Previously, under MGNREGA, the centre paid the larger share, but now the centre and the states will share the funding in a 60:40 ratio.

This will not only enhance the coordination between the centre and states but will also make states more accountable.

New MGNREGA Rules Boost State Accountability, Allow Farm Season Breaks

The new MGNREGA rules also allow postponing the rural jobs for 60 days during the peak farming seasons.

It will ensure the availability of more workers meeting the farmers' needs at times of planting and harvesting, says the government.

Under the scheme, the kind of work will also be limited. From now on, the emphasis on jobs will be on climate resilience, rural infrastructure, livelihood assets, and water security.

The government believes it will reap long-term benefits for the communities.

Opposition Slams MGNREGA Changes, Objects to Removal of Gandhi's Name

While the Modi government has given thumbs up to the VB-G RAM Bill, as it supports the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the opposition is against it.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have expressed dissatisfaction with the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name and have opined that the new changes will empower the centre and weaken the workers’ rights.

FAQs

Q: What is the name of the new bill approved by President Droupadi Murmu?

A: The name of the new bill signed by the president, Droupadi Murmu, is Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025. In short, VB-G RAM G.

Q: What is the key purpose of this new bill?

A: The new VB-G RAM G Bill 2025 has replaced the 20-year-old MGNREGA law. It will increase the rural job guarantee scheme from 100 days to 125 days a year. The new bill focuses on climate resilience, rural infrastructure, livelihood assets, and water security.

Q: Why is opposition against this new bill?

A: The opposition is against the new bill because of the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name and has opined that the changes give more power to the centre and weaken the workers’ rights.

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