New Delhi
The Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Act will officially replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, commonly known as MGNREGA, which will stand repealed once the new legislation is implemented nationwide.
According to the government’s FAQ document, the new Act will be rolled out simultaneously across all states and union territories from July 1, 2026, following notification by the Central Government. State governments have also been directed to frame and notify their own schemes in line with the provisions of the new legislation within a prescribed timeframe.
One of the major changes under the new Act is the enhancement of the statutory employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days of wage employment per financial year for eligible rural households whose adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work.
The government clarified that ongoing works under MGNREGA at the time of the new law’s commencement will continue without disruption. Existing projects will be seamlessly migrated under the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G framework and prioritised for completion to ensure that public infrastructure and community assets are not left unfinished.
Officials also assured that employment under MGNREGA would continue uninterrupted during the transition phase before the new Act formally comes into force. Adequate labour budgets have already been allocated to states and union territories to maintain employment opportunities and ensure timely wage payments during the changeover period.
The FAQs further stated that states may begin new works if ongoing projects are insufficient to meet local employment demand. However, such new projects must align with the categories of permissible works listed under Schedule I of the new legislation.
The government emphasised that rural workers will continue to enjoy statutory protection and employment guarantees under the new law. Existing job card holders and registered workers are also expected to remain part of the system during the transition process, although further operational guidelines are likely to be issued in the coming months.
The Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Act is being presented by the Centre as a modernised rural development framework that not only provides employment but also focuses on the creation of durable and productive rural assets. Officials say the legislation is designed to support India’s long-term economic and infrastructure goals under the broader vision of transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047.
