Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

New Act Replaces MGNREGA: Critics Doubt Its Effectiveness

1/17/2026

23 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act 2025 replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The new act caps expenditure and decentralizes fiscal responsibility.
MGNREGA had weakened due to fund-release delays and a focus on asset creation.
Critics question whether the redesign can preserve MGNREGA's stabilizing role during downturns.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act 2025 replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The new act caps expenditure and decentralizes fiscal responsibility.
MGNREGA had weakened due to fund-release delays and a focus on asset creation.
Critics question whether the redesign can preserve MGNREGA's stabilizing role during downturns.