New Delhi, May 11: The Central Government on Monday released a detailed set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explaining the provisions of the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Act, 2025, the new rural employment legislation that will replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from July 1, 2026.
The Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Act has been introduced as part of the broader vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and aims to strengthen rural livelihoods, expand employment opportunities and promote the creation of productive rural assets across the country.
According to the government’s official clarification, the new law guarantees 125 days of unskilled wage employment annually to every eligible rural household whose adult members volunteer for manual work. This marks an increase from the existing 100-day guarantee provided under MGNREGA.
The government stated that the Act will be implemented simultaneously across all states and Union Territories from July 1, 2026. Existing MGNREGA works and employment arrangements will continue seamlessly during the transition period to avoid disruption in rural employment generation.
Officials clarified that ongoing projects under MGNREGA will continue under the new framework and will be migrated to the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G system to ensure that public assets and development works are completed without interruption.
The government also assured that adequate labour budgets have already been allocated to states and Union Territories to maintain uninterrupted employment opportunities and timely wage payments before the commencement of the new Act.
Under the new law, all existing MGNREGA job cards with completed e-KYC verification will remain valid until fresh Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards are issued.
Any rural household without a job card can apply for registration through the Gram Panchayat by providing household details through any adult member.
The FAQs state that employment applications can be submitted orally, in writing or digitally through the Gram Panchayat, Programme Officer or authorised officials. Employment must be provided within 15 days of application submission.
If employment is not provided within the stipulated period, workers will be entitled to unemployment allowance paid by the State Government. The allowance will be at least one-fourth of the notified wage rate for the first 30 days and not less than one-half for the remaining period.
The government has also announced enhanced wage rates under the new law, though existing MGNREGA wage rates will continue until revised rates are officially notified. Wages will continue to be paid directly into bank or post office accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The Act further provides compensation for delayed wage payments. Workers will be entitled to delay compensation at the rate of 0.05 per cent of unpaid wages per day if payments are delayed beyond 15 days from muster roll closure.
Attendance at worksites will be captured using face authentication-based attendance systems, although the government stated that exceptions will be allowed in cases involving poor connectivity, technical failures or device-related issues.
The Act also mandates the provision of worksite facilities including safe drinking water, first aid, rest areas and child care shade facilities for workers.
To prevent labour shortages during farming seasons, state governments will be allowed to notify peak agricultural periods during which employment works under the Act may be temporarily suspended.
The government has prescribed different funding patterns under the new law, including a 90:10 Centre-State ratio for North Eastern and Himalayan states, 60:40 for other states and Union Territories with legislatures and 100 per cent Central funding for Union Territories without legislatures.
Gram Panchayats will continue to play a central role in implementation, including household registration, work execution, employment demand management and preparation of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs).
The government also stated that transparency at worksites will be ensured through mandatory display of “Janata Boards” containing project details, labour estimates, material usage and costs.
