PM Modi supports VB-G RAM G Act; Says, ‘It will create jobs and wealth in villages’; new law will replace MGNREGA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed support for the Developed India Guarantee Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act (VB-G RAM G) 2025. He said the law goes beyond providing wages to villagers. It will also create permanent assets, boost agriculture, and improve productivity in rural areas over time.

The PMO stated that before introducing the law, the central government consulted state governments. Technical meetings with experts and discussions with various stakeholders were also held to ensure all aspects were considered.

The VB-G RAM G Bill was passed on 18 December during the winter session of Parliament, despite opposition protests. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on 21 December, officially making it law. This new act will replace MGNREGA.

Union Agriculture Minister defends the law

The PMO shared an article by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on the social media platform X. Chouhan said Congress leaders are spreading confusion.

At a farmers’ conference in Nagaur on Tuesday, he said Congress was criticising the scheme, claiming it would reduce jobs. He added that this is actually a much better scheme that will transform villages.

Chouhan said, “We have increased support, not reduced it. Congress is trying to scare workers. The total annual expenditure is now estimated at ₹1.51 lakh crore. Congress leaders have no understanding of fields, villages, or crops.”

The picture is from December 17, when the opposition strongly protested against the bill during Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh’s speech in the Lok Sabha. Opposition MPs reached the well and tore up copies of the bill.

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Opposition protests

Political opposition has also emerged. The DMK-led alliance protested the law in Chennai. Opposition parties argue that the new rules could weaken employment guarantees and disrupt coordination between the central and state governments.

More work for rural families

The government said that under the new law, every rural family will be guaranteed 125 days of work per year, up from 100 days previously. This will provide more work and strengthen economic security in villages.

Under Section 22, the cost of the scheme will be shared between the central and state governments. In general, the central government will cover 60% and the state 40%.

In northeastern states, hilly states, and Union Territories such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, the central government will bear 90% of the cost.

According to Section 6, state governments can regulate work for up to 60 days a year during busy agricultural periods such as sowing and harvesting.

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