The central government has taken a major decision to discontinue MGNREGA. In its place, the government is preparing to launch a new scheme, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission.

MGNREGA Replacement: The BJP-led central government has taken a major decision to discontinue the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). In its place, the government is preparing to launch a new employment scheme called the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural), or VB GRAM.

Under this scheme, the government has proposed increasing the number of workdays from 100 to 125.  Significant changes are also planned regarding the financial responsibility of the scheme.

Changes in Funding Share

Under the new law, changes have also been made to the funding responsibilities of the central and state governments. The ratio is being prepared to be 90:10 and 60:40. According to media reports, under the new changes, the central government will have the authority to decide in which parts of the country it wants to implement this scheme. The state government will also have the right to suspend the scheme for two months during the harvest season.

Decision Taken Amidst Socio-Economic Changes

The government has stated that the objective of this bill is that while MGNREGA has employed rural families for the past 20 years, it is necessary to strengthen it in the changing socio-economic environment. People who are willing to work without any specific skills will be guaranteed 125 days of employment by the government. The central government has taken this step towards the holistic development of villages under the goal of a developed India by 2047.

125 Days of Employment Guaranteed

Under the new laws, adult citizens who are willing to work without any specific skills will be guaranteed 125 days of employment by the government. Previously, under MGNREGA, rural residents were guaranteed up to 100 days of employment.