The Eastern Voice Correspondent
(Kumari Akansha)
Patna. Effective July 1, 2026, the central government has officially repealed MGNREGA, replacing it with the VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission [Gramin] Act).
The new scheme expands guaranteed wage employment from 100 to 125 days per financial year, though it introduces a mandatory 60-day pause during peak agricultural seasons to prevent farm labor shortages. Financially, it institutes a minimum base wage of ₹300 per day, raising the national average to ₹327.4.
Structurally, the program shifts from a demand-driven model to a top-down allocation formula. It also alters the funding dynamic: the Centre will no longer bear 100% of unskilled wages, moving instead to a 60:40 Centre-state sharing ratio for most states.
Permissible works have expanded to over 300 activities focusing on climate resilience, rural livelihoods, and durable infrastructure. For immediate continuity, existing verified MGNREGA job cards remain completely valid, and active projects will transition automatically into the new framework with uninterrupted direct bank transfers.
