NDA Replaces MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G Act 2025, 5.32 Cr Households Availed Scheme in FY26 (8% Decline)

VB-GRAM G Act Replaces MGNREGA: 68% Drop in Employment, SC Flags Right to Work

The Union government replaced MGNREGA with the VB-GRAM G Act in December 2025, leading to a 68% fall in rural employment. The Supreme Court has raised the question whether the 'Right to Work' should be treated as a fundamental right under Article 21. This news is critical for understanding the constitutional status of socio-economic rights, the doctrine of non-retrogression, and the fiscal federalism debate around Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

VB-G RAM G Scheme: Karnataka Person-Days Fall 70% in July, 805 GPs with Nil Expenditure

The new VB-G RAM G scheme, which replaced MGNREGA from July 1, 2026, has seen a drastic drop in employment generation in Karnataka - only 17.98 lakh person-days in July 2026 vs 61.48 lakh in July 2025 under MGNREGA. Implementation delays, lack of clarity, and procedural hurdles are blamed. This is critical for understanding rural employment policy shifts.

Centre Mandates 60:40 Centre-State Funding Split for VB-G RAM-G Rural Employment Scheme

The Centre has shifted the funding pattern of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (now VB-G RAM-G) from 100% central funding to a 60:40 Centre-State split (90:10 for Himalayan/Northeast states). This marks a major fiscal federalism change, with states allocating full 40% despite political opposition. Essential for Prelims (ratio, scheme name) and Mains (fiscal federalism, rural wage floor).

VB-G RAM G Reports 49.94% YoY Decline in Rural Employment Generation in July 2026

The government replaced the two-decade-old MGNREGS with the new VB-G RAM G scheme from July 1, 2026. First-month data shows a sharp 49.94% year-on-year drop in person-days (7.67 crore) and a 51.45% fall in households availing work (68.94 lakh). This decline, the lowest in five years, raises concerns about rural demand and the fallback for agricultural labourers during an erratic monsoon.

NFSA Amendment Replaces 35 kg AAY Rations with 7 kg Per Capita, Cuts 80% for Solo Women

The proposed amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA) replaces the 35 kg monthly household ration for Antyodaya (AAY) families with a per-capita system of 7 kg per person (capped at 35 kg). This will drastically cut entitlements for 53% of AAY households (those with fewer than 5 members), hitting the poorest hardest — especially 1 million single women, mostly widows, who will lose 80% of their foodgrain.

MCA Data Reveals Only 9 Women CEOs, 25 MDs in India's Top 500 Listed Companies

Ministry of Corporate Affairs data tabled in Lok Sabha reveals severe underrepresentation of women in top corporate leadership: only 9 CEOs and 25 MDs among India's 500 largest listed companies. This directly impacts the UPSC/state PSC themes of women empowerment, corporate governance, and the effectiveness of legal mandates under the Companies Act, 2013.

CMS-E 2025: Govt School Education Costs ₹4,757/yr; Private Coaching Largest at ₹1,855

This article reveals that while government school education is nominally 'free', families spend an average of ₹4,757 per child annually, with private coaching (₹1,855) being the largest component. Only 27% of students take coaching, but it accounts for 40% of total costs. The RTE Act's narrow definition of 'free' only covers the course fee (₹324), leaving the bulk of expenses unaddressed. This data is critical for understanding the real cost of education and the limitations of current policy.

Nestle Seeks Industry Consultation on India's Front-of-Pack Food Labelling Rules; SC Slams Delays

Nestle CEO has urged the Indian government to consult the food industry before finalizing front-of-pack warning labels for high fat, sugar, and salt products. This comes after the government dropped a similar proposal in March following opposition from companies like Coca-Cola, and the Supreme Court slammed the delay. The debate highlights the conflict between public health interests and corporate influence in India's $100 billion packaged food market.