MGNREGA to be replaced across all states and UTs by new Viksit Bharat G RAM-G Act from July 1

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, May 11, 2026: In a major restructuring of India’s rural employment programme, the Centre on Monday announced that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will be discontinued from July 1 and replaced with a new legislation titled the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, or VB-G RAM G.

The Ministry of Rural Development issued two separate notifications confirming that the new law will come into force across all states and Union Territories from July 1, officially repealing the nearly two-decade-old MGNREGA framework.

The government assured that workers currently employed under MGNREGA will continue to receive employment without disruption during the transition period.

“Ongoing works under MGNREGA as on June 30 shall be saved and carried over to the new framework seamlessly,” the ministry said in its notification.

Officials clarified that existing MGNREGA job cards linked with e-KYC will remain valid until new “gramin rozgar guarantee cards” are issued under the revised scheme.

The Centre also stated that workers awaiting e-KYC verification will not be denied employment opportunities. Fresh registrations for labourers without job cards will continue through gram panchayats, it added.

According to the ministry, detailed rules related to wage payments, grievance redressal mechanisms, fund allocation procedures and other transition-related provisions are being finalised in consultation with states and Union Territories. The draft rules will soon be released for public feedback.

Projecting the new legislation as part of its broader “Viksit Bharat” vision, the government said gram panchayats would play a central role in driving rural transformation. It added that the revamped framework would focus on strengthening village economies, improving rural infrastructure and generating sustainable livelihood opportunities.