Context
The Union Rural Development Ministry is currently in the process of framing rules and “objective parameters” for the implementation of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G Act, 2025. This new legislation seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA).
The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025: Key Provisions
· Employment Guarantee: Increases guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days per rural household annually. Unemployment allowance after 15 days without work remains.
· Fund Sharing: Scheme to function as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- 60:40 Centre–State ratio (general states)
- 90:10 (North-Eastern & Himalayan states)
States will continue paying unemployment allowance and delay compensation.
· Excess Expenditure: Centre will set state-wise normative allocations. Any expenditure beyond this will be borne by the State government.
· Pause During Agricultural Season: States may declare up to 60 days annually when MGNREGA works are paused during peak sowing/harvesting periods.
· Planning Framework: Gram Panchayats prepare work plans focusing on
- Water security
- Rural infrastructure
- Livelihood infrastructure
- Climate/extreme weather mitigation
Plans integrated with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
· Implementation & Monitoring:
Creation of National and State Steering Committees for oversight, planning, and coordination.
· Use of Technology:
Biometric authentication, geospatial planning, mobile dashboards, and weekly public disclosure systems for transparency.
Implementing and Monitoring Authorities
- The Act establishes a clear institutional framework to ensure coordinated, accountable, and transparent implementation of the Mission across national, State, district, block, and village levels.
- Central and State Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Councils provide policy guidance, review implementation, and strengthen accountability.
- Panchayati Raj Institutions lead planning and execution, with Gram Panchayats implementing at least half of the works in terms of cost.
- District Programme Coordinators and Programme Officers manage planning, compliance, payments, and social audits.
- Gram Sabhas play a strengthened role in conducting social audits and ensuring transparency through access to all records.
Consider the following statements regarding the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025:
I. The Act seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 and increases the guaranteed days of employment from 100 to 125 days per rural household annually.
II. Under the Act, the entire cost of wages for unskilled labour will be borne exclusively by the Central Government.
III. The scheme will operate as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a 60:40 Centre–State funding pattern for most states and 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
IV. Gram Sabhas play a strengthened role in conducting social audits and ensuring transparency through access to all records.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) I, III and IV only
(b) I and II only
(c) II, III and IV only
(d) I, II, III and IV
Answer: A
Explanation:
• STATEMENT I IS CORRECT: The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 aims to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 and increases employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days per rural household.
• STATEMENT II IS INCORRECT: Unlike MGNREGA’s earlier wage-sharing model, the Act introduces a shared funding pattern between Centre and States, not full central funding.
• STATEMENT III IS CORRECT: The scheme will function as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 60:40 funding for most states and 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
• • STATEMENT IV IS CORRECT: Gram Panchayats must implement at least 50% of the works (by cost), ensuring strong decentralised implementation and local participation and Gram Sabhas play a strengthened role in conducting social audits and ensuring transparency through access to all records.
