Impact of The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (commonly VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025) on Employment Generation in rural india

Abstract

The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G Act) represents a major reform in India’s rural employment and livelihood framework. Enacted with the objective of aligning rural employment policy with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the Act seeks to strengthen income security, create durable rural assets, and promote sustainable livelihoods. It replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, while expanding the statutory guarantee of wage employment from 100 to 125 days per eligible rural household per financial year. The Act introduces a revised fiscal architecture based on Centre–State cost sharing, enhanced planning through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, and increased use of digital tools for transparency, monitoring, and timely wage payments. It also provides flexibility to states to temporarily suspend work during peak agricultural seasons to avoid labour shortages in farming activities. By integrating employment generation with rural infrastructure creation and livelihood promotion, the VB-G RAM G Act aims to ensure inclusive growth, reduce distress migration, and improve the socio-economic conditions of rural households. Overall, the legislation marks a shift from a purely demand-driven employment scheme to a more structured, outcome-oriented rural development mission.