Understanding the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission

Introduction to the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025

Recently, the Indian Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025. This new legislation replaces the previously established Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA).

Background of MGNREGA

MGNREGA was designed as a demand-driven wage employment program. It facilitated resource transfers from the Centre to States based on the demand for work generated in each State. The Act provided a legal right to employment, which included provisions for unemployment allowances and compensation for delays in wage payments. However, the government has indicated that changing rural socio-economic conditions necessitate a restructured employment framework.

Overview of the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025

The VB-G RAM G Bill aims to create a rural development framework aligned with India's national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Bill shifts the focus from mere employment guarantees to a comprehensive approach that integrates employment generation, infrastructure development, livelihood support, and climate resilience.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Transition to a Supply-Driven Programme: The Bill transitions from a rights-based, demand-driven scheme to a supply-driven, allocation-based program. Employment generation will now depend on allocations set by the Centre, rather than workers’ demand.
• Capped Budgetary Framework: Unlike MGNREGA, which expanded based on demand, the VB-G RAM G scheme operates within a fixed annual budget determined by the Union government.
• Employment Guarantee Structure: The Bill guarantees up to 125 days of wage employment for rural households whose adult members volunteer for unskilled work, with a 60-day no-work period during peak agricultural seasons.
• Integration with Rural Infrastructure: Employment generation will focus on priority areas such as water security and core rural infrastructure.
• Administration and Oversight Enhancements: The administrative ceiling has increased to support better staffing and capacity-building. New councils and committees will enhance oversight.
• Cost-Sharing Structure Changes: The financial responsibility of States is increased, shifting from a previous 90:10 Centre-State split to a new balance.
• Technology Integration: Digital systems such as Aadhaar payments and app-based attendance are now embedded in law to enhance efficiency.

Benefits of the Bill

The VB-G RAM G scheme aims to provide predictable employment and timely wage payments for workers. It is expected to benefit farmers through enhanced irrigation, improved rural connectivity, and protection against labour shortages during critical periods.

Transforming Rural Employment

This Bill seeks to transform rural employment from a safety net into a development tool, linking income security with long-term asset creation and poverty reduction. It aims to foster diversified rural livelihoods and climate resilience.

Criticisms and Concerns

Critics point out that the Bill limits employment to specific rural areas, potentially reducing universal coverage. Additionally, the increased financial burden on States raises concerns about reduced autonomy in rural employment planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission 2025?
Answer: The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission 2025 is a new rural employment framework that replaces MGNREGA, focusing on employment generation, infrastructure development, and climate resilience.

Q2. How does the VB-G RAM G Bill differ from MGNREGA?
Answer: Unlike MGNREGA, which was demand-driven, the VB-G RAM G Bill is supply-driven, with employment generation based on fixed allocations set by the Centre.

Q3. What are the key benefits of the VB-G RAM G Bill for workers?
Answer: Workers can expect more predictable employment, timely wage payments, and an unemployment allowance in case of delayed work allocation under the new Bill.

Q4. What concerns have been raised about the VB-G RAM G Bill?
Answer: Concerns include limited coverage of employment to specific rural areas and increased financial burdens on States, which may affect their autonomy in planning rural employment.

Q5. How does the Bill aim to enhance rural livelihoods?
Answer: The Bill aims to enhance rural livelihoods by linking income security with long-term asset creation, climate resilience, and diversified economic opportunities.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary focus of the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025?
A) Demand-driven employment
B) Supply-driven employment
C) Universal coverage
D) Profit maximization
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: How many days of employment does the Bill guarantee per rural household?
A) 100 days
B) 125 days
C) 150 days
D) 200 days
Correct Answer: B