VB-G RAM G Act Replaces MGNREGA In UP, Guarantees 125 Days Of Rural Employment

Last Updated:July 02, 2026, 21:07 IST

The VB-G RAM G Act has replaced MGNREGA from July 1, extending rural employment to 125 days and ensuring a minimum daily wage of ₹300 in Uttar Pradesh.

The rural employment landscape in Uttar Pradesh has undergone a major change with the implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) Act, which came into effect across the country on July 1, 2026. The new legislation officially replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and introduces an expanded employment guarantee along with several structural reforms aimed at strengthening rural development.

The Uttar Pradesh government has said it is fully prepared to implement the new framework across the state, where millions of rural households have relied on MGNREGA for employment over the past two decades.

Under the new system, eligible rural households in Uttar Pradesh will now be entitled to 125 days of guaranteed employment every year, replacing the earlier provision of 100 days under MGNREGA. The scheme also ensures that the minimum daily wage in the state will not be less than ₹300, providing higher earnings for rural workers.

The government also noted that the national average daily wage has been increased from ₹298.80 to ₹327.40, and said all necessary arrangements have already been made to ensure timely payment of the revised wages to beneficiaries.

Key Changes Under The VB-G RAM G Act

Compared to the earlier employment guarantee programme, the new framework introduces several reforms aimed at improving planning, transparency and long-term rural development.

Some of the major changes include:

• Employment guarantee increased from 100 days to 125 days annually for eligible rural households.

• Minimum daily wage in Uttar Pradesh fixed at ₹300.

• National average daily wage revised from ₹298.80 to ₹327.40.

• Greater emphasis on long-term rural infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

Scientific Planning To Guide Development Works

One of the key features of the new framework is the introduction of geospatial planning for rural development.

Unlike MGNREGA, where projects were largely approved based on local demand, village development plans will now be prepared using satellite data, GIS mapping, land records and infrastructure requirements. Government expenditure will be aligned with these scientific plans to ensure that funds are directed towards priority projects.

The new approach also shifts employment generation from a demand-driven model to one based on pre-planned development projects designed specifically for individual villages.

Planning and monitoring of works across Uttar Pradesh will be carried out through GIS mapping, satellite imagery and digital planning tools, with the aim of improving transparency, monitoring and the quality of implementation.

Focus On Long-Term Rural Development

The VB-G RAM G Act places greater emphasis on creating durable assets that strengthen the rural economy over time.

Priority will be given to projects such as:

• Road construction and rural connectivity.

• Irrigation infrastructure.

• Water conservation works.

• Durable community assets and public infrastructure.

The new framework also provides for the integration of multiple rural development schemes, a move aimed at avoiding duplication of projects, improving resource utilisation and enhancing the overall efficiency of government spending in rural areas.

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, the implementation of the VB-G RAM G Act is expected to expand employment opportunities, strengthen village infrastructure and support sustainable rural development while ensuring higher wages and a longer employment guarantee for eligible households across the state.

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