Proposed VB-GRAM G Bill to Replace MGNREGA Sparks Concerns Over Rural Employment and Federalism
The Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-GRAM G Bill, was tabled in the Lok Sabha to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Bill changes the scheme's character from a demand-based to a supply-driven framework with capped allocations. A significant shift is the funding pattern, moving from the Centre bearing the full cost of unskilled wages to a 60:40 sharing ratio between the Centre and States. Critics argue this undermines the special status of the scheme and places a heavy financial burden on states already struggling with GST restructuring.
Key Points
- The VB-GRAM G Bill transforms MGNREGS from a demand-based legal guarantee to a supply-driven scheme.
- Funding for unskilled manual labor wages will shift from 100% Central funding to a 60:40 Centre-State split.
- The Union government becomes the sole decision-maker, potentially reducing the development space for States.
- While the Bill increases work days to 125 per year, data shows few households currently reach the 100-day limit.
- The move is criticized for potentially undermining grassroots democracy and the 'Gram Swaraj' concept.
Exam Facts
- Bill Name: Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G Bill).
- Proposed funding sharing pattern between Centre and States for unskilled wages: 60:40.
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