2005
The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) is enacted by Parliament under the UPA government. It establishes, for the first time in India, a legal right to employment, guaranteeing up to 100 days of wage work per rural household in a financial year.
2006
The Act comes into force in a phased manner, initially covering 200 districts. Implementation is decentralised through Gram Panchayats, with an emphasis on labour-intensive public works.
2007–2008
The scheme is expanded to additional districts. Early evaluations note improved rural wage levels, reduced distress migration, and strong participation of women.
2009
NREGA is renamed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), formally linking the programme to the principles of dignity of labour, decentralisation, and social justice. Coverage becomes pan-India.
2010–2013
MGNREGA stabilises as the world’s largest public employment programme. Social audits are institutionalised in several states. Asset creation expands in water conservation, land development, and rural connectivity.
2014
A new NDA government assumes office. Public criticism of MGNREGA is voiced initially, though the programme continues due to its scale and political salience.
2018
The Institute of Economic Growth conducts a national evaluation of MGNREGA’s NRM works, finding significant positive impacts on productivity, income, fodder availability, cultivated area, and groundwater levels.
2020–2021
During the COVID-19 pandemic, MGNREGA becomes a critical economic safety net. Budget allocation peaks at approximately Rs. 1.10 lakh crore. Worker participation rises sharply, reaching over 11 crore active workers.
2022–2023
Post-pandemic allocations begin to decline. Delays in wage payments and unmet demand
for work increase. Average days of employment per household remain well below the statutory 100-day guarantee.
2024–2025
Union Budget allocation for MGNREGA falls to around Rs. 86,000 crore, with total expenditure touching higher levels due to arrears. Active worker participation drops significantly compared to the pandemic peak. Policy discussions intensify around “restructuring” and “rationalisation” of the scheme.
4 November 2025
The Union Ministry of Rural Development formally signals its intention to replace or substantially restructure MGNREGA under a new framework tentatively titled VB–G RAM G, citing efficiency, outcome-based planning, and fiscal rationalisation.
8 November 2025
Initial details of the revised funding model emerge. Opposition leaders from the Indian National Congress describe the proposal as an attempt to shift the Union government’s constitutional responsibility onto states under the guise of reform.
15 November 2025
Leaders of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Left Front jointly criticise the proposal, stating that rural employment cannot be governed by uniform central templates in a country with diverse ecological and economic conditions.
20 November 2025
State governments ruled by opposition parties begin releasing preliminary estimates of increased fiscal burden. Tamil Nadu and Kerala indicate that the proposed cost-sharing formula would make full implementation financially unsustainable.
27 November 2025
Opposition parties demand that the Bill be referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee, citing far-reaching implications for federalism, rural livelihoods, and employment rights.
30 November 2025
A joint statement by leaders of the Congress, DMK, CPI(M), and several regional parties asserts that removing Gandhi’s name and weakening the legal guarantee amounts to rewriting the social contract between the state and rural citizens.
2 December 2025
The government declines to refer the Bill to a Standing Committee, opting instead for expedited consideration. This decision draws criticism for bypassing detailed legislative scrutiny.
4 December 2025
Clause-by-clause discussion begins in the Lok Sabha. Opposition members move amendments seeking restoration of the original MGNREGA funding pattern and retention of Mahatma Gandhi’s name. These amendments are voted down.
7 December 2025
The Lok Sabha passes the VB–G RAM G Bill, 2025 by a majority vote.
10 December 2025
The Bill is taken up in the Rajya Sabha.
12 December 2025
The Rajya Sabha passes the Bill following a brief debate, with the government rejecting demands for further consultation with states.
15 December 2025
The Bill is sent to the President of India for assent.
18 December 2025
Presidential assent is granted. The Bill becomes the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025, formally repealing or replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
20 December 2025
The Union government issues a notification bringing the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 into force with immediate effect.
