20 yrs on, a radical revamp of the rural jobs framework, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• The NDA government is proposing to replace MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB-G RAM G Bill).
• The VB-G RAM G Bill aims to increase guaranteed wage employment from 100 to 125 days per financial year.
• Unlike MGNREGA, the new bill proposes joint funding by the Centre and states, potentially increasing the financial burden on states.
• The bill introduces a 60-day pause in the scheme during peak agricultural seasons to ensure farm labor availability.

Detailed Insights:

• The VB-G RAM G Bill proposes a "normative allocation" formula, shifting resource allocation to a top-down approach determined by the Central Government, potentially affecting states with higher demand.
• States will notify the 60-day pause period in advance, potentially shortening the window to avail the 125-day scheme due to India's diverse agriculture calendar.
• All work under the new scheme will originate from the Viksit Gram Panchayat plans, consolidated into the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack, integrated with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
• The VB-G RAM G Bill provides for issuance of Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards, with special cards for vulnerable groups like single women, persons with disabilities, and transgender persons.
• The estimated annual funding requirement for the new scheme is Rs 1,51,282 crore, including the state share, with an estimated central share of Rs 95,692.31 crore.

Key Concepts Involved:

• MGNREGA: A social security scheme guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
• Viksit Gram Panchayat: Plans at the village level for development, consolidated at higher levels.
• PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan: A digital platform for integrated infrastructure planning.