VB-G RAM G to replace MGNREGA from July 1:Centre assures seamless transition, says workers will not be affected nationwide

The central government on Monday announced that the Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural), or VB-GRAM G, will replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from July 1 across the country. Government notification According to the Ministry of Rural Development, the new law will be implemented in all states and union territories. The government said the transition will be smooth and no worker will lose employment due to the shift. Ongoing MGNREGA projects to continue The ministry clarified that all works currently underway under MGNREGA till June 30 will continue in the new system without interruption. No project will be stopped midway. Job cards and e-KYC Existing MGNREGA job cards linked with e-KYC will remain valid until new rural employment guarantee cards are issued. The government also said labourers whose e-KYC process is still pending will continue to receive work. Registration of new workers without job cards will continue through Gram Panchayats as before. New rules being prepared The Centre is preparing draft rules related to: Wage payments Grievance redressal Fund allocation Transition procedures The ministry said these rules will be made public after discussions with states and union territories. Focus on rural development The government described Gram Panchayats as the “central pillar” of rural transformation. According to the ministry, the new law aims to: Increase employment opportunities in villages Improve rural infrastructure Strengthen self-reliance Work guarantee increased Under the new law, the guaranteed number of workdays for rural families has been increased from 100 days to 125 days annually. The government said the move is aimed at improving economic security for rural households. Cost sharing between Centre and States Under Section 22 of the law: General states: Centre will bear 60% of the cost, states 40% Northeastern and hilly states, along with union territories such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir: Centre will bear 90% of the expenses Provision during agricultural seasons According to Section 6, state governments will be allowed to regulate work under the scheme for up to 60 days annually during peak agricultural periods such as sowing and harvesting seasons. ​