The Modi administration is set to introduce a bill in Parliament today to abolish the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replace it with a new initiative named VB, G RAM G (Developed Bharat, G Ram G Scheme). The proposed legislation marks a significant shift in India’s approach to rural employment and development.
Increased Workdays and Legal Entitlement
One of the most notable changes under the new scheme is the increase in the number of legally guaranteed workdays. Rural households will now be entitled to 125 days of paid work annually, an increase of 25 days compared to the current provision under MGNREGA. While the increase in workdays is a clear benefit, government officials emphasise that the scheme is designed not just to provide employment, but to enhance sustainable rural development.
According to government sources, VB, G RAM G will focus on offering better income-generating opportunities and skill development so that rural communities are less dependent on government aid. The scheme is intended to move beyond mere wage work and create avenues for productive and self-sufficient livelihoods.
MGNREGA: A Brief History
MGNREGA has been a cornerstone of rural employment since its launch as NREGA in 2005 by the UPA government. It was later renamed in 2009 to honour Mahatma Gandhi. By 2008, the scheme had been implemented across all districts, providing millions of rural households with a basic safety net and ensuring legal access to paid employment.
Controversy and Opposition Reaction
The government’s move to discontinue MGNREGA has already drawn strong reactions from the opposition. Critics argue that instead of replacing the long-standing scheme, the government should focus on reforming and strengthening it. The issue is expected to spark heated debates in Parliament, with opposition parties signalling their intent to challenge the bill legally and demand detailed explanations for discontinuing MGNREGA.
Looking Ahead: Rural Development and Productivity
Despite the anticipated political pushback, the government maintains that VB, G RAM G represents a commitment to a more productive, self-reliant countryside. Officials describe it as a comprehensive approach to rural development, combining employment with skill-building and income-enhancement, aimed at empowering rural India to achieve long-term economic stability.
As the bill reaches Parliament, all eyes will be on the debate over the future of rural employment in India, and whether VB, G RAM G can deliver on its promise to transform the rural economy while addressing concerns raised by critics of the move.