Analysis of the New VB-GRAM G Act and its Implications for Rural Employment Guarantee
The article critiques the newly introduced Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-GRAM G Act), which aims to replace or modify MGNREGA. While the government claims it enhances the employment guarantee to 125 days, critics argue that Section 5(1) allows the Centre to 'switch off' the guarantee in specific areas, undermining the 'right to work' principle. Furthermore, the shift toward 'normative funding' (budget caps) may lead to an inequitable distribution of funds across states, potentially disadvantaging poorer states like Bihar and Jharkhand that require higher MGNREGA employment.
Key Points
- The VB-GRAM G Act introduces a discretionary 'switch-off' provision that allows the government to suspend the guarantee in specific areas.
- Normative funding replaces the demand-driven approach, potentially limiting funds for states with high poverty levels.
- The Act emphasizes digital technology for transparency, though critics point to past failures of such systems in MGNREGA.
- The MGNREGA budget currently stands at approximately 0.25% of India's GDP.
Exam Facts
- VB-GRAM G Act provides 125 days of work per year compared to MGNREGA's 100 days.
- Section 5(1) of the Act contains the controversial 'switch-off' provision.
- Section 20 of the VB-GRAM G Act relates to social audits, similar to Section 17 of MGNREGA.
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