VB-G RAM G Act, 2025: Key Features, Significance and Challenges
Why in News?
The Government of India has operationalized the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G) across rural India with effect from 1 July 2026. This marks the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
What is VB-G RAM G?
VB-G RAM G is a new rural employment framework aimed at strengthening livelihood security, rural income stability, and sustainable village development under the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. It replaces MGNREGA and expands statutory employment support in rural areas.
Key Features
- Enhanced Employment Guarantee
- Employment guarantee increased from 100 days to 125 days per financial year for rural households willing to undertake unskilled manual work.
- Worker-Friendly Transition
- Existing e-KYC verified Job Cards will remain valid until new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards are issued.
- Unemployment Allowance
- If employment is not provided within the prescribed period:
- ¼ of wage rate for the first 30 days.
- ½ of wage rate thereafter.
- If employment is not provided within the prescribed period:
- Timely Wage Payments
- Wages to be transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into bank/post office accounts.
- Compensation for delayed payments.
- Expanded Scope of Works
Focus on four thematic areas:- Water security
- Core rural infrastructure
- Livelihood-related infrastructure
- Climate resilience
- Worksite Facilities
- Clean drinking water
- Shade and rest areas
- First-aid kits
- Childcare support
- Accident-related medical coverage for workers.
- Technology-enabled Governance
- Biometric authentication
- Mobile-based monitoring
- Geo-tagging
- Real-time dashboards
- Strengthened social audits.
Funding Pattern
- 90:10 – Northeastern & Himalayan States
- 60:40 – Other States & UTs with legislatures
- 100% Central Funding – UTs without legislatures.
Significance
- Strengthens rural employment security.
- Promotes sustainable village development and durable asset creation.
- Enhances climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
- Encourages bottom-up planning through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans.
Difference between MGNREGA and VB-G RAM G
| Feature | MGNREGA | VB-G RAM G |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Days | 100 days | 125 days |
| Status | Repealed from July 1, 2026 | Effective from July 1, 2026 |
| Focus | Wage employment | Livelihood + Infrastructure + Climate resilience |
| Technology | Limited | Biometric, geo-tagging, real-time dashboards |
Practice Questions
Q1. The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 will come into force from:
A) 1 January 2026
B) 1 July 2026
C) 15 August 2026
D) 2 October 2026
Answer: B) 1 July 2026
Q2. Under VB-G RAM G, employment guarantee has been increased to:
A) 100 days
B) 110 days
C) 125 days
D) 150 days
Answer: C) 125 days