President grants assent to rural jobs Bill; govt. lists four focus areas for works, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• President Droupadi Murmu approved the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, replacing MGNREGA.
• The new Act increases guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125.
• The government has allocated ₹1,51,282 crore for the scheme.
• Focus areas include water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood infrastructure, and extreme weather mitigation.

Detailed Insights:

• MGNREGA, enacted on September 5, 2005, was inspired by Article 41 of the Constitution, securing the right to work.
• The new Bill shifts from "creating works" to "creating outcomes," emphasizing focused development areas.
• The central government will continue as the primary funding partner, maintaining a 60:40 cost-sharing model.
• Critics argue the new law weakens the demand-based nature of the program and decentralised planning by Gram Sabhas.
• Concerns exist that the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) will replace local needs with Union government priorities.
• The previous 90:10 cost-sharing ratio incentivized states, while the new 60:40 ratio may discourage state participation.
• The article suggests the new Bill is part of a broader trend of weakening rights-based legislation.

Key Concepts Involved:

• MGNREGA: A social security scheme guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
• Article 41: A directive principle in the Constitution urging the State to secure the right to work.
• Gram Sabha: The primary body for local self-governance in villages, responsible for planning and implementation.