Transition from MGNREGA to Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and AJeevika Mission (VB-GRAM G)
The Union government has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and AJeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. During a Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting, officials stated that 'fake demand' for work would not be entertained during the transition period. The government is coordinating with states to ensure only genuine demand is raised. The meeting also addressed the long-standing issue of withheld funds for West Bengal, which were stopped in 2022 due to non-compliance with central directives regarding corruption and administrative issues.
Key Points
- MGNREGA was repealed by Parliament on December 18, 2025, to make way for the new VB-GRAM G Act.
- The new scheme aims to distinguish between genuine and 'fake' demand to prevent misuse of funds during the transition.
- Funds to West Bengal were stopped under Section 27 of the MGNREGA Act, 2005, due to continued non-compliance.
- The Union government still owes over ₹3,082 crore to various states for completed MGNREGA works.
- The committee questioned how the government plans to distinguish between genuine and fake demand in a demand-driven scheme.
Exam Facts
- MGNREGA replaced by VB-GRAM G Act, 2025.
- Funds to West Bengal stopped in March 2022 under Section 27 of MGNREGA.
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development is headed by Saptagiri Ulaka.
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