GovernanceEconomy
News 6 of 24

VB-G RAM G Replaces MGNREGA: States Oppose 40% Cost Share, Centre Gains Control

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
29 Jun 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:July 1, 202640% state cost share10% material cost under MGNREGA60 non-working days blackout₹255 current wage (Bihar)₹413 demanded wage (Bihar)
Bodies:Ministry of Rural Development16th Finance Commission
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What This Article Covers

1.VB-G RAM G replaces MGNREGA from July 1, 2026, shifting from demand-driven to supply-driven model.

2.States now bear 40% of total expenditure, up from ~10% under MGNREGA (only material cost).

3.Centre gains control via Section 5(1) to notify implementation areas and link funds to performance metrics.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The Centre is replacing MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G, shifting from a demand-driven to a supply-driven model. States must now bear 40% of costs (vs. 10% earlier), and the Centre gains control over fund allocation and implementation areas. This marks a major structural shift in rural employment policy.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Effective DateJuly 1, 2026
State Cost Share (New)40% of total expenditure
State Cost Share (Old MGNREGA)~10% (material bill only)
Opposing StatesMadhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand
Blackout Period60 non-working days during peak agri-season

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Effective Date: July 1, 2026
  • ›State Cost Share (New): 40% of total expenditure
  • ›Target this Data: VB-G RAM G replaces MGNREGA from July 1, 2026; States bear 40% cost share (up from ~10%).
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Rural Development (Union Government).
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Section 5(1) of the new Act empowers Centre to notify rural areas for implementation.

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which ministry is primarily responsible for implementing the rural employment guarantee scheme mentioned in the news?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding VB-G RAM G:

1. It replaces MGNREGA and shifts from a demand-driven to a supply-driven framework.

2. Under the new scheme, the Centre will bear 100% of the wage bill, similar to MGNREGA.

3. The scheme allows for a blackout period of 60 non-working days during peak agricultural season.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What percentage of total expenditure are states required to bear under the new VB-G RAM G scheme, as opposed to the earlier MGNREGA model?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary concern raised by states regarding the financial model of VB-G RAM G?

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