The government has introduced a new bill in the Lok Sabha titled the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025. This bill seeks to repeal the original MGNREGA Act of 2005.
Key Highlights of the New Bill:
New Name: The scheme will now be known as VB–G RAM G (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission - Gramin).
Note: Earlier reports suggested the name "Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana," but the official bill introduced is VB–G RAM G.
Increased Work Days: The number of guaranteed employment days is being increased from 100 days to 125 days per rural household per year.
Funding Shift: Unlike MGNREGA, which was largely funded by the Centre, the new bill proposes a 60:40 cost-sharing pattern between the Centre and the States (except for North-Eastern and Himalayan states).
Seasonal Pause: The new framework allows for a 60-day pause in public works during peak agricultural seasons (sowing/harvesting) to ensure enough labor is available for farming.
Vision 2047: The change is part of a broader strategy to align rural employment with the "Viksit Bharat 2047" national vision, moving from a demand-driven safety net to a supply-driven development mission.
Current Status & Opposition
The move has faced significant criticism from opposition parties, who have questioned the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the landmark welfare scheme. Leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge have called the renaming "cosmetic" and expressed concerns that the new funding structure might put an extra financial burden on state governments.