Centre Notifies Implementation of VB-G RAM G Act

• 12 May 2026

On 11th May 2026, the Centre notified implementation of the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.

Key Points

• New Rural Employment Framework:
  • VB-G RAM G Act to come into force from July 1, 2026.
  • Replaces Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.
• Employment Guarantee:
  • Guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household annually.
  • Higher than existing 100 days under MGNREGA.
• Objective:
  • Promote integrated and productivity-oriented rural development.
  • Align rural transformation with Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
• Budget Allocation:
  • ₹95,692.31 crore allocated for FY 2026-27.
  • Highest-ever allocation for rural employment programme.
  • Total outlay with state contribution expected above ₹1.51 lakh crore.
• Wage Payment Mechanism:
  • Payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
  • Deposited into bank or post office accounts.
  • Weekly payment or within 15 days mandated.
  • Delay compensation applicable if payments are late.
• Transition from MGNREGA:
  • Existing projects to continue without interruption till June 30, 2026.
  • Ongoing works to be carried forward under new Act.
• Job Card Provisions:
  • Existing e-KYC verified MGNREGA cards remain temporarily valid.
  • New Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards to be issued later.
  • Pending e-KYC will not block employment access.
• Focus Areas:
  • Livelihood security and rural income enhancement.
  • Rural infrastructure creation.
  • Strengthening the role of Gram Panchayats.
• Overall Significance:
  • Represents major restructuring of India’s rural employment policy.
  • Expands statutory employment guarantee.
  • Aims to create sustainable and self-reliant rural economy.