Quick note: VB-G RAM G stands for Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin). It replaced MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) from 1 July 2026 and now guarantees up to 125 days of wage employment per rural household in a financial year.
NREGA / MGNREGA was India’s flagship rural employment guarantee law. From 1 July 2026 the programme continues under a new name, VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)). All benefits people knew as NREGA still apply, with a higher work guarantee.
What is NREGA / VB-G RAM G?
It is a demand-driven scheme that legally guarantees wage employment to every rural household whose adult members are willing to do unskilled manual work. Work is provided within 15 days of demand, otherwise an unemployment allowance is paid.
Key Features
- Guaranteed employment increased from 100 to 125 days per household per year
- Wages paid directly into bank/post-office accounts through DBT
- One-third of work reserved for women
- Works planned through the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan and PM Gati Shakti
- Biometric attendance and AI-based monitoring to stop fraud
Old vs New at a Glance
| Point | Old (MGNREGA) | New (VB-G RAM G) |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed days | 100 | 125 |
| Card name | Job Card | Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Card |
| Funding | Central scheme | 60:40 centre-state (90:10 for NE/Hill states) |
| Attendance | Muster roll | Biometric + digital |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Has NREGA been closed?
No. NREGA has not been closed. It has been reorganised and renamed VB-G RAM G with expanded benefits.
How many days of work can I get now?
Up to 125 days of guaranteed wage employment per household in a financial year.