Why in the News?
- The Central Government has not revised wages under MGNREGS for FY 2026–27.
- This is due to the upcoming rollout of a new scheme: Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAMG).
Key Highlights
- Over 11 crore active workers under MGNREGS
- Around 7.2 crore individuals (5.34 crore families) benefited in 2025–26
- For the first time in over a decade, wage revision not announced in Feb–March
- Existing wages of 2025–26 will continue temporarily
About MGNREGS
- Full form: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
- Launched under:
- MGNREGA Act, 2005
- Objective:
- Provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural households
- Nature:
- Demand-driven scheme
- Legal right to work
Wage Fixation under MGNREGS
- Wages notified under: Section 6(1) of MGNREGA, 2005
- Revised annually based on: CPI-AL (Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers)
- Usually effective from: April 1 of each financial year
What is VB-GRAMG (New Scheme)
- Full form: Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)
- Enacted through: VB-GRAMG Act, 2025
- Aim:
- Replace MGNREGA
- Provide rural employment and livelihood support
| [2011] Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”? (a) Adult members of only the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households (b) Adult members of below poverty line (BPL) households (c) Adult members of households of all backward communities (d) Adult members of any household |
