VIKSIT BHARAT — GUARANTEE FOR ROZGAR AND AJEEVIKA MISSION (GRAMIN) BILL

NEWS

• The Union government plans to introduce the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee For Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB-G RAM G Bill) in Parliament.
• The Bill seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, signalling a major shift in India’s rural employment framework.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Features of the Proposed Bill

• Guaranteed workdays increased from 100 to 125 days per rural household.
• Employment to be provided only in rural areas notified by the Centre.
• Introduced as part of the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047”.
• Programme may be paused during peak agricultural seasons to ensure labour availability for farming.

Shift from Demand-Driven to Supply-Driven Model

• MGNREGA:
  • Demand-based, legal entitlement to work.
  • Budget could be expanded based on rural demand.
• VB-G RAM G Bill:
  • Fixed annual allocations determined by the Union government.
  • States cannot demand additional funds beyond the prescribed limit.
  • Marks a shift away from the rights-based employment guarantee.

Changed Funding Pattern

• Earlier system (MGNREGA):
  • Centre paid 100% labour wages and 75% material costs (effective 90:10).
• New Bill proposes:
  • 60:40 Centre–State cost sharing for most States.
  • 90:10 sharing for northeastern, Himalayan States and select UTs.
• Implication: Increased financial burden on States, especially fiscally weaker ones.

Enhanced Central Control

• Centre to decide:
  • State-wise allocations using “objective parameters” (yet to be defined).
  • Geographical coverage within States.
• Reduces flexibility and decentralised planning earlier available to States and Panchayats.

Technology and Governance Changes

• Codifies existing practices such as:
  • Aadhaar-based payments
  • Mobile app attendance
  • Geotagging of worksites

Concerns and Criticism

• Civil society groups like MKSS argue the Bill dilutes the rights-based nature of MGNREGA.
• Critics see it as a move from employment guarantee to budget-controlled welfare, raising questions on rural livelihood security.