Draft Rules for VB-G RAM G, Key Features, Details

The Central Government has released draft rules for implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-GRAMG) Act, 2025, which will replace the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from July 2026. 

Key Features of the Draft Rules

The draft rules were issued by the Ministry of Rural Development and published in the e-Gazette for public consultation for 30 days. The draft rules have been framed under Section 33 and other provisions of the VB-GRAMG Act, 2025, which was passed by Parliament in December 2025. Key features of the Draft Rules for VB-GRAMG include: 

• Replacement of MGNREGA: VB-GRAM G will replace MGNREGA from July 1, 2026, while ongoing works and existing e-KYC verified job cards will temporarily continue during the transition phase.
• Enhanced Employment Guarantee: The annual guaranteed rural employment has been increased from 100 days to 125 days.
• Normative and Performance-Based Funding: The draft rules replace the earlier demand-driven funding model with a normative allocation framework based on the 16th Finance Commission criteria. Higher weightage has been given to GSDP distance to prioritise poorer States, while part of future allocations will depend on State performance in wage payments, social audits, and completion of works.
• Revised Centre–State Cost Sharing: VB-GRAMG introduces a 60:40 Centre–State funding model for most States and 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan States.
• National Level Steering Committee (NLSC): The draft rules propose a National Level Steering Committee chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Rural Development to oversee implementation, recommend State-wise fund allocation, coordinate among ministries, and monitor programme performance.
• Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council: A Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council will be established to advise the Central Government on implementation and monitoring, with representation from workers’ organisations, Panchayati Raj institutions, and disadvantaged social groups.
• Technology-Driven Governance: The framework emphasises Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Aadhaar-based payments, MIS platforms, digital monitoring systems, Yuktdhara portal, and integration with PM Gati Shakti for decentralised spatial planning.
• Agricultural Pause Provision: States may notify area-specific no-work periods of up to 60 days during peak sowing and harvesting seasons to prevent labour shortages in agriculture.
• Grievance Redressal System: A technology-enabled, time-bound, and multi-tier grievance redressal mechanism has been proposed from Gram Panchayat to State level.
• Categorisation of Gram Panchayats: Gram Panchayats will be classified into A, B, and C categories for improved planning and resource allocation.
• Administrative Expenditure Framework: The administrative expenditure ceiling has been increased from 6% under MGNREGA to 9% under VB-GRAMG, with at least one-third reserved for Gram Panchayat-level implementation staff. Administrative costs will be classified into categories to be borne by the Centre, shared with States, or borne by States.
• Permissible Works and UT Provisions: The Ministry has circulated an interim list of permissible works under VB-GRAMG and allowed States to propose additional works. Separate financial norms have also been proposed for Union Territories without legislatures.

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