Government Circulates Bill To Replace MGNREGA With New Rural Employment Law

The government has circulated a bill among Lok Sabha members proposing the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005. The proposed legislation is titled the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025.

It seeks to introduce a new framework for rural employment. News reports indicate that the bill may be introduced during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which runs from December 1 to December 19.

Key Features of the Proposed Bill

The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill seeks to provide a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per financial year to rural households. The scheme will apply to households whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work.

The bill emphasises empowerment, growth, convergence and saturation to build a resilient rural economy. It aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on inclusive development.

MGNREGA Repeal

The proposed legislation will repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which has been in force since 2005. MGNREGA currently guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households, making it one of India’s largest social security programmes.

The new bill aims to expand the scope and duration of employment while introducing structural changes to improve efficiency. The repeal marks a significant shift in rural employment policy after two decades.

Legislative Process and Timeline

The bill has been circulated among Lok Sabha members ahead of its formal introduction. Sources indicate that the government intends to table the bill during the Winter Session, which ends on December 19, 2025.

The circulation of the draft allows members to review its provisions before debate and voting. If passed, the new law will replace MGNREGA and establish a fresh framework for rural employment guarantees.

Objectives and Broader Impact

The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission aims to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote economic resilience. By increasing guaranteed employment days from 100 to 125, the bill seeks to provide greater income security for rural households.

It also focuses on convergence with other development schemes to ensure saturation of benefits. The initiative is positioned as a key component of India’s long-term vision for rural prosperity under Viksit Bharat 2047.

Read More: Labour Ministry Inks MoU with Microsoft to Accelerate Employment Opportunities in India.

Conclusion

The government’s plan to introduce the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Bill marks a significant shift in rural employment policy. By repealing MGNREGA and expanding guaranteed workdays, the proposed law aims to strengthen income security and support inclusive growth.

The bill is expected to be tabled during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. Its implementation could reshape rural development strategies across India.

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