Overview
- The government has replaced MGNREGA with the VB-G RAMG scheme, presented as part of a rural vision aligned to Viksit Bharat 2047.
- VB-G RAMG provides 125 days of guaranteed rural work compared with 100 earlier and introduces cost-sharing of 60:40 between the Centre and states, with 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states and full central funding for certain Union Territories.
- BJP MP Bhim Singh said allocations over the past 11 years total Rs 8.53 lakh crore, claimed as roughly four times the UPA-era releases of Rs 2.13 lakh crore, and cited provisions of Rs 95,000 crore for the new scheme plus Rs 30,000 crore for outstanding MGNREGA work.
- Opposition MPs including Imran Pratapgarhi and Shaktisinh Gohil argued the change weakens the guarantee and shifts financial burden to states, with activists warning it could reduce actual access to work.
- The Upper House debate concluded with Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expected to deliver a reply on Monday, as BJP members highlighted gains in rural housing, sanitation and roads from central schemes.