Labour shortage during peak farm season to be addressed by new law: Shivraj Chouhan

Overview On December 23, 2025 , Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the recently passed Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act addresses the labor shortage faced during peak farm seasons. The act aims to balance the welfare of farmers and laborers, ensuring sufficient labor availability for farming activities. Key Developments Passage of the Act The VB-G RAM G Act , which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) , was passed in Parliament last week. This marks a significant shift in the government's approach to rural employment and livelihood security. Minister's Statement Addressing the audience virtually on Farmer’s Day, Mr. Chouhan emphasized that the law strikes a balance between the welfare of farmers and laborers. He stated that the VB-G RAM G is extremely useful in empowering the farming community and making them self-reliant, while also focusing on the upliftment of laborers. Labor Availability The Minister highlighted the difficulties farmers often face in finding laborers during sowing and harvesting seasons. The new law aims to resolve this problem by ensuring laborers are available during the farming season, a key feature designed to keep farmers satisfied. Key Features of the VB-G RAM G Act Increased Workdays: Laborers will now get work for 125 days a year instead of 100 days under MGNREGA . Peak Farming Season: Except for two months of peak farming season, laborers are expected to be available for agricultural work. Dissemination of Information Mr. Chouhan stressed the importance of disseminating information about this new development among farmers across the country through Krishi Vigyan Kendras . This will ensure that farmers are aware of the benefits and provisions of the new law. Government Objective The government's objective is to increase the income of both farmers and laborers, and this will be achieved through the new law. This aligns with broader goals of inclusive growth and rural development. UPSC Relevance GS Paper 2: Government Policies and Interventions The VB-G RAM G Act is directly relevant to GS Paper 2 , specifically concerning government policies and interventions for development in various sectors. Understanding the nuances of this act and its comparison with MGNREGA is crucial. GS Paper 3: Agriculture and Inclusive Growth The act also touches upon GS Paper 3 , particularly in the context of agriculture and inclusive growth. Its impact on agricultural labor availability and rural income enhancement makes it an important topic for UPSC aspirants. Important Facts Act Name: Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act Replacing Act: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Workdays: 125 days a year under VB-G RAM G Act Peak Farming Season: Laborers expected to be available for agricultural work during this period Information Dissemination: Through Krishi Vigyan Kendras