MGNREGA is gone: What the new VB‑GRAM bill means for rural India

A major shift has occurred in India’s rural employment system. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been replaced by a new law, which promises 125 days of work and a redesigned funding structure. In this explainer, we break down what has changed, why this transition matters, and how the new framework could reshape rural labour and public works across India. We look at the key features of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, how it differs from MGNREGA, and what early reactions from experts, policymakers, and workers signal about its impact. Presentation: Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Video: Thamodharan B Script and Editing: Shikha Kumari A