The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 represents a paradigm shift from a relief-based to a convergence-based rural employment framework. Critically examine the key departures from MGNREGA and assess whether these reforms adequately address the structural weaknesses of its predecessor.

Q. The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 represents a paradigm shift from a relief-based to a convergence-based rural employment framework. Critically examine the key departures from MGNREGA and assess whether these reforms adequately address the structural weaknesses of its predecessor. (15 marks, 250 words)

The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 repeals MGNREGA, 2005 from July 1, 2026, recasting a demand-driven relief programme into a convergence- and asset-oriented framework aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047 [1].

Key departures from MGNREGA - Enhanced guarantee: statutory entitlement raised from 100 to 125 days per rural household per year [1]. - Convergence focus: four thematic works — water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood infrastructure, and special works to mitigate extreme weather — linked to PM Gati Shakti [2]. - Governance & transparency: mandated biometric authentication, geo-tagging, real-time dashboards and Gram Sabha social audits [2]. - Fiscal restructuring: shift from 100% central funding of wages to 60:40 cost-sharing (90:10 for NE/Himalayan states); administrative cap raised 6%→9% [3].

Assessment of adequacy - Strengths: the extra 25 days and higher admin cap address the 100-day ceiling and chronic understaffing; technology mandates target ghost workers and muster-roll fraud; climate works add resilience absent earlier [2]. - Gaps: PRS notes the move to a budget-capped, supply-driven model dilutes the justiciable "right to work", risking rationing when demand spikes [4]. State co-funding may strain poorer states and depress work provision. Biometric mandates risk exclusion of the digitally weak.

The Act modernises delivery and embeds convergence, yet its adequacy hinges on protecting the entitlement's justiciability and ensuring the demand-driven safety-net character survives fiscal capping — the true test of inclusive growth.

(~248 words)

Sources: 1. Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Act, 2025, PIB Press Note — repeal of MGNREGA, 125-day guarantee, July 1 2026 commencement 2. Reforming MGNREGA for Viksit Bharat, PIB Factsheet (Dec 2025) — four thematic works, technology and social-audit provisions, PM Gati Shakti convergence 3. VB–G RAM G, 2025, PIB Press Release — cost-sharing ratios and administrative expenditure cap 4. PRS Legislative Research — VB–G RAM G Bill, 2025 Summary — shift to budget-capped, supply-driven model and right-to-work dilution