The VB-G RAM G scheme, officially called the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), replaces MGNREGA and increases guaranteed rural employment from 100 to 125 days, introduces shared Centre-State funding, pauses work during peak agricultural seasons, and removes Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme. While the government claims it strengthens rural infrastructure and livelihoods, critics argue it weakens the rights-based framework of rural employment.

VB-G RAM G Replaces MGNREGA: What Is the New Scheme?

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the VB-G RAM G Bill, marking one of the most significant changes in India’s rural employment policy since 2005. The new law replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a flagship UPA-era programme that legally guaranteed employment to rural households.

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The renaming and restructuring of the scheme have triggered political debate, especially due to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name, which the Opposition calls a symbolic and ideological shift. However, beyond the name change, the scheme introduces structural and financial reforms that directly affect rural workers and state governments.

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Why MGNREGA Was Considered a Rights-Based Scheme

MGNREGA was globally recognised as a demand-driven and rights-based law. Any rural household could demand work, and the government was legally bound to provide employment within a fixed timeframe or pay compensation.

Key strengths of MGNREGA included:

• Legal entitlement to employment
• Full wage funding by the Centre
• Compensation for delay or denial of work
• Strong decentralised planning through Panchayats

The new VB-G RAM G model changes many of these fundamentals.

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VB-G RAM G vs MGNREGA: Key Differences Explained

1. Increase in Guaranteed Employment Days

Under VB-G RAM G, the government has increased the guaranteed employment days from 100 to 125 days in a financial year. On paper, this looks like a major benefit for unskilled rural workers.

However, experts point out that availability of funds and capped allocations may limit actual implementation.

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2. Shift from Full Central Funding to Shared Funding

One of the most significant changes is the funding pattern.

Under MGNREGA:

• Wage costs were fully funded by the Centre

Under VB-G RAM G:

• 60:40 Centre-State funding for most states
• 90:10 funding for North-Eastern states, Himalayan states, and select Union Territories

Any expenditure beyond allocated limits will have to be borne by the states, increasing their financial burden.

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3. Supply-Driven Model Replaces Demand-Driven Approach

MGNREGA allowed workers to demand work as a legal right. VB-G RAM G introduces a supply-driven framework, where employment depends on pre-approved allocations.

This means:

• No automatic right to work
• States bear excess costs
• Reduced legal accountability of the Centre

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4. 60-Day Pause During Agricultural Peak Seasons

The new scheme mandates a 60-day pause during peak sowing and harvesting seasons.

The government argues this ensures:

• Availability of farm labour
• Reduced conflict between agriculture and public works

Critics argue it reduces income security for landless labourers who depend entirely on wage employment.

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VB-G RAM G vs MGNREGA: Comparison Table

Feature	MGNREGA	VB-G RAM G
Guaranteed Employment Days	100 days	125 days
Funding Pattern	100% Centre (wages)	60:40 Centre-State (90:10 for special states)
Nature of Scheme	Demand-driven, rights-based	Supply-driven, allocation-based
Work During Farming Season	Allowed	60-day pause
Managing Authority	Ministry of Rural Development	Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council
Penalty for Violations	₹1,000	₹10,000
Name of Scheme	Mahatma Gandhi included	Mahatma Gandhi name removed

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New Governance Structure Under VB-G RAM G

The management of rural employment has been shifted from the Ministry of Rural Development to a newly created Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council.

Additionally:

• All projects must originate from Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans
• Plans are consolidated at Block, District, and State levels
• Final aggregation happens under the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack

This aims to improve planning efficiency but reduces grassroots flexibility.

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Higher Penalties for Violations

The VB-G RAM G law introduces stricter penalties, increasing fines from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 for violations. This move is intended to:

• Improve compliance
• Reduce delays and misuse of funds
• Strengthen administrative accountability

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Economic Impact: What the Government Claims

According to the government, VB-G RAM G will:

• Improve water security
• Strengthen rural infrastructure
• Build climate-resilient livelihood assets
• Increase rural consumption
• Reduce distress-driven migration

The government has earmarked ₹95,000 crore for the scheme.

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Political and Social Debate Around Name Change

The omission of Mahatma Gandhi’s name has drawn strong criticism. Opposition parties argue that:

• The change undermines historical continuity
• It weakens the moral and ideological foundation of the programme

The government, however, maintains that the focus should be on outcomes, not symbolism.

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Conclusion: VB-G RAM G

The VB-G RAM G scheme marks a fundamental shift in India’s rural employment framework. While the increase to 125 days of guaranteed work appears progressive, changes in funding, governance, and entitlement raise critical questions about accessibility and accountability. As states begin implementation, the real impact on rural livelihoods will determine whether VB-G RAM G strengthens or dilutes India’s social safety net.