VB-G RAM G – What the New Rural Jobs Law Means for Workers

Last updated: 30 October 2026

On 1 July 2026 the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) gave way to a new law, the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025. Most people in villages still call it “NREGA”, and that is fine – the idea is the same: any rural household that asks for unskilled manual work is entitled to get it, and to be paid on time.

The key changes

• 125 days of work a year per household, up from 100.
• A ₹300 wage floor. No state may pay less than ₹300 a day for unskilled work; several pay more.
• Shared funding. The Centre and states split costs 60:40, or 90:10 in North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
• An agricultural pause. States may pause the scheme for up to 60 days during the peak sowing and harvest season so that farms are not short of labour.
• Social audit every six months in each Gram Panchayat.
• A new portal: vbgramg.dord.gov.in replaces nrega.nic.in for lists and reports.

What stays the same

Job cards are still issued free by the Gram Panchayat, and existing valid cards carry over. You still demand work in writing, attendance is still recorded on the muster roll (and through the NMMS app), and wages are still paid straight into a bank or post office account. If work is not provided within 15 days of a written demand, the household becomes entitled to an unemployment allowance.

What it means for you, in practice

1. Keep your job card safe – you do not need a new one.
2. Always demand work in writing and keep the dated receipt. Our work demand form includes one.
3. Check your wage rate on the state-wise wage page.
4. Check your name and work history on the job card list.

FAQ

What does VB-G RAM G stand for?

It is the short name of the Viksit Bharat rural employment and livelihood guarantee law that replaced MGNREGA. Everyday usage still says “NREGA”.

Has MGNREGA been abolished?

It has been replaced. The guarantee continues under the new Act with more days and a higher minimum wage.