PM Modi Backs VB-G RAM G Act Linking Income Support With Rural Productivity

December 24, 2025

New Delhi, Dec 24, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday voiced strong support for the newly enacted Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 commonly called the VB-G RAM G Act — saying the legislation links income support with long-term rural productivity and development. The Prime Minister’s endorsement came via the official PMO India account on X, where he shared an article by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan explaining the law’s objectives.

Modi described the Act as a transformative shift in rural employment policy, presenting it not just as a welfare scheme but as a framework that integrates income support, asset creation, agricultural stability and sustained rural productivity.

What the Act Aims to Achieve

The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 replaces the long-standing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a revised statutory framework tailored to current socio-economic realities and the government’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. The new law guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household willing to undertake unskilled manual work an increase from MGNREGA’s 100 days while aligning employment with rural asset creation and infrastructure development.

Under the Act, the fund sharing pattern between the Centre and states is recalibrated to a 60:40 ratio, with special provisions for Northeastern and Himalayan states and certain Union Territories where the Centre’s share increases to 90 per cent.

Government’s Justification and Rationale

In his post, Modi highlighted that the Act had been shaped through extensive consultations with state governments and multi-stakeholder discussions. He emphasized that by viewing income support and rural productivity as complementary rather than competing goals, the law aims to strengthen both livelihoods and sustainable development in rural India.

Supporters of the legislation argue it modernizes rural employment initiatives by encouraging durable asset creation such as water-security works and core rural infrastructure while ensuring citizens receive financial support and opportunities for meaningful work.

Political and Public Responses

Despite the government’s framing, the new Act has drawn political pushback from opposition parties and social activists, who contend the overhaul dilutes the rights-based guarantee that defined MGNREGA and shifts more financial and administrative burden onto states. Protests have been reported in various regions, including demonstrations organized by opposition allies in Chennai.

However, the government maintains that the VB-G RAM G Act will enhance employment opportunities, increase rural productivity, and contribute to broader economic resilience.