The Indian government has officially notified the implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act, or VB-G RAM G Act, which will replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from July 1, 2026. This new legislation aims to enhance rural employment generation and infrastructure development, providing 125 days of guaranteed employment annually to rural households, an increase from the current 100 days under MGNREGA. Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that the new framework will offer expanded livelihood opportunities and strengthen rural infrastructure. The government has allocated over ₹95,000 crore (approximately $11.5 billion USD) for the program, with total annual expenditures expected to exceed ₹1.51 trillion (approximately $18.3 billion USD). The initiative will support various projects, including water conservation, village roads, and disaster mitigation infrastructure. Payments to workers will be facilitated through the direct benefit transfer (DBT) mechanism, ensuring timely compensation. The transition will ensure that no laborer is deprived of work, maintaining existing provisions under MGNREGA until the new framework is fully operational.