What Was Promised By NREGA's New Version, Where It Falls Short, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission Gramini (VB-G RAM G) has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
• An Indian Express report indicated a nearly 50% year-on-year dip in rural jobs in the first month of VB-G RAM G implementation.
• Data from January to June 2026 shows a 35.8% decline in total person-days compared to the same period in 2025.
• The government claims to offer 125 days of guaranteed work and has allocated Rs 95,000 crore from the Centre.
• Critics highlight issues with E-KYC requirements and the NMMS facial recognition app, leading to worker exclusion.

Detailed Insights:

• VB-G RAM G was introduced as an "enhanced" version of MGNREGA, promising universal rollout across rural India and higher wages.
• The significant decline in work provision contradicts the government's narrative of increased guaranteed work days to 125.
• The Centre's allocation of Rs 95,000 crore, coupled with a mandated 40% state contribution, is considered "notional" if actual work is not generated.
• The notified floor-level wage of Rs 300 per day under VB-G RAM G is below the minimum wage in most states and the Satpathy Committee recommendation of Rs 375 per day.
• The mandatory 40% state contribution without consultation is viewed as a violation of Article 258 of the Indian Constitution, impacting cooperative federalism.
• Digital requirements like E-KYC have led to the deletion of millions of job cards, contributing to the dramatic drop in households seeking work.
• The new law was passed without significant consultation, despite appeals from the Opposition for re-examination.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): A social security measure guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
• Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission Gramini (VB-G RAM G): The new central law replacing MGNREGA, aiming to provide 125 days of guaranteed employment.
• Cooperative Federalism: A principle where central and state governments collaborate in policy formulation and implementation.
• Article 258 of the Indian Constitution: Allows the President to entrust functions to states, implying central financial responsibility for implementing central laws by states.