New Delhi, Dec 29: A parliamentary panel on Monday examined various aspects of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and discussed the roadmap for a smooth transition to the newly enacted VB-G RAM G Act over the next six months.
Sources said members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj deliberated on key concerns, including continuity of payments to beneficiaries during the transition period, changes in work policies, and the need for additional budgetary support as the government shifts from MGNREGA to the new framework.
While no member opposed the VB-G RAM G Act during the meeting, several MPs expressed concern over low enrolment under MGNREGA in many states, with participation reportedly limited to around 50 per cent in some regions. Members also noted that the new law would take at least six months to implement, as it would come into force only after the framing of rules.
MGNREGA, enacted in 2005 by the Congress-led UPA government, has now been replaced by the VB-G RAM G Act, which was passed during the recently concluded Winter Session of Parliament amid opposition protests. The new legislation provides for up to 125 days of wage employment for rural workers.
The committee also discussed the structure, operational framework and objectives of the new system. According to sources, some opposition members acknowledged shortcomings in the implementation of MGNREGA, for which the committee had earlier made recommendations. A few members recalled that they had previously suggested increasing guaranteed workdays from 100 to 150.
Opposition MPs urged that the committee’s past recommendations on MGNREGA be taken into account while framing the rules for the VB-G RAM G Act.
BJP members, meanwhile, argued that a new law was necessary as MGNREGA had failed to adequately address current challenges related to rural infrastructure development. They cited examples from several states where even 50 per cent of allocated MGNREGA funds remained unutilised.
Committee chairman and Congress leader Saptagiri Ulaka said members held detailed discussions on MGNREGA and the way forward during the transition period, noting that implementation of the new law would begin only after rules are notified.
“We had a good discussion. The law has been passed, but rules are yet to be framed. States will also have to come on board. Today’s meeting focused on ensuring a smooth transition to the VB-G RAM G Act. Some members have given suggestions, and we will submit a report,” Ulaka told reporters.
During the meeting, the Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development made a presentation on MGNREGA’s current status. According to official data shared with the panel, the scheme is implemented in 741 districts across 2.69 lakh gram panchayats, covering 12.15 crore active workers, excluding Delhi and Chandigarh.
Women constitute 57 per cent of the workforce, while SC/ST workers account for 36 per cent. Around 4.81 lakh persons with disabilities have also been provided employment. Overall, more than 15 crore families, comprising nearly 26 crore beneficiaries, are currently covered under the scheme, sources said.