Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a national-level interaction with representatives of MGNREGA workers through video conferencing to discuss the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin Act 2025. The interaction focused on addressing concerns of workers and clarifying the impact of the new legislation on their existing services.
More than two lakh MGNREGA workers participated in the interaction from nearly forty five thousand locations across the country. The primary objective of the dialogue was to reassure workers that the implementation of the new Act will not adversely affect their current employment or service conditions. The Minister emphasised that continuity of service for existing MGNREGA personnel will be ensured through coordination with State Governments.
During the interaction, representatives of MGNREGA workers welcomed the VB G Ram G Act 2025 and expressed appreciation for the outreach initiative. They assured the Union Minister of their full cooperation in the successful implementation of the Act. Workers also raised queries related to continuation of their roles and timely payment of honorarium under the new framework.
Addressing these concerns, the Union Minister clarified that Section 37 sub section 3 of the Act explicitly provides for complete job security of existing MGNREGA personnel. He stated that the same workforce currently engaged in implementing MGNREGA will continue to implement the VB G Ram G Act 2025. He reiterated that States will be required to strictly adhere to these provisions to ensure uninterrupted services of workers.
On the issue of wage and honorarium payments, the Minister highlighted that the ceiling for administrative expenditure under the new Act has been enhanced from six percent to nine percent. This increase is expected to facilitate timely payment of wages through States and also open up scope for gradual improvement in service conditions of MGNREGA workers.
A detailed presentation on the VB G Ram G Act 2025 was also made during the interaction, outlining its key features objectives and implementation framework. Special emphasis was placed on the provision of one hundred and twenty five days of employment and the inclusive nature of the Act aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods.
Concluding the interaction, Shivraj Singh Chouhan once again assured MGNREGA workers that their services will continue seamlessly even after the new Act comes into force. He stated that the Government of India, in partnership with State Governments, remains fully committed to safeguarding the interests dignity and financial security of rural workers.
