The central government on Saturday released the draft rules for the new VB-G RAM G scheme, officially called the Vikas Bharat Guarantee for Employment
and Livelihood Mission-Gramin. The new law is set to come into force across all states and union territories from July 1.
With the launch of this new scheme, the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will be replaced.
The government has also invited suggestions and feedback from individuals, experts, organizations, and state governments before the final approval of the rules.
Public and States Can Give Suggestions
Officials from the Ministry of Rural Development said the draft rules were prepared under Section 33 of the Act and other related legal provisions.
The rules have been made public so that all stakeholders can share their opinions before the final version is approved. The draft also includes rules related to Union Territories that do not have legislative assemblies.
According to officials, the aim is to create a proper administrative, financial, and monitoring system for smooth implementation of the new law across the country.
How VB-G RAM G Will Replace MGNREGA
The draft rules clearly explain how the transition from MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G will happen.
The government said ongoing projects under MGNREGA will continue and will not be stopped during the shift to the new scheme.
Pending payments and liabilities will also be cleared. Important records from the old system will be transferred to the new one.
Job cards that have already been verified through e-KYC will remain valid under the new scheme as well.
Officials added that until states officially implement the new system, workers will continue to receive all benefits and rights available under MGNREGA.
Rural Families to Get More Work
One of the biggest changes under the new law is the increase in guaranteed work days.
Under VB-G RAM G, every rural household will be guaranteed 125 days of work in a year. Earlier, under MGNREGA, the guarantee was limited to 100 days.
The government says this move will improve employment opportunities in villages and provide stronger financial support to rural families.
Centre and States Will Share the Cost
As per Section 22 of the Act, the cost of the scheme will be shared between the Centre and state governments.
In most states, the Centre will bear 60 percent of the expenses, while states will pay the remaining 40 percent.
However, for North-Eastern states, hilly states, and Union Territories such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, the central government will cover 90 percent of the total cost.
The draft rules also mention that state governments can limit work availability for up to 60 days during peak farming seasons like sowing and harvesting.
Earlier Announcement About the Scheme
Earlier this week, the central government had announced that VB-G RAM G would officially replace MGNREGA from July 1 across the country.
The government had also clarified that workers will not face any disruption during the transition from the old scheme to the new one.
