The transition from the MGNREGA to the newly‑launched VB‑G RAM G has left FRA title‑holders uncertain about their extra 50‑day entitlement.
Key Developments
- On 1 July 2025 the VB‑G RAM G came into force, replacing MGNREGA.
- The Ministry of Rural Development, in a reply dated 6 October 2026, said no separate order has yet been issued to grant the additional 50 days to FRA beneficiaries.
- A senior ministry official indicated that a notification approving the extra 50 days is expected soon, and the remaining six months of FY 2026‑27 could be used to complete the entitlement.
- Data for 2025‑26 show that only 15 % of the 14 lakh households eligible for 150 days under MGNREGA actually used the benefit.
Important Facts & Statistics
Under the old MGNREGA scheme, tribal households with FRA titles were promised 150 days (100 + 50). The new act guarantees only 125 days unless a discretionary order adds more days.
- Odisha: 3,72,089 registered households; 71,696 used the extra days.
- Chhattisgarh: 3,20,651 registered; 36,716 beneficiaries.
- Madhya Pradesh: 2,21,674 registered; 29,065 beneficiaries.
- Andhra Pradesh: 1,70,851 registered; 36,008 beneficiaries.
- Tripura: 1,08,532 registered; 22,251 beneficiaries.
- Maharashtra: 96,559 registered; 8,063 beneficiaries.
These six states together account for 12.9 lakh of the total registered households.
Exam Relevance
- Understanding the shift from MGNREGA to VB‑G RAM G illustrates policy continuity and change.
- The role of the Union Rural Development Ministry in issuing notifications highlights administrative procedure.
- Issues of tribal rights under the FRA connect to GS2 topics on social justice and constitutional provisions.
- Data on low utilisation of entitlement can be linked to discussions on implementation gaps and governance challenges (GS4: Ethics).
Way Forward
- Prompt issuance of a clear notification specifying the extra 50‑day entitlement for FRA households.
- Strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the discretionary provision under Section 5(4) of the act is applied uniformly across states.
- Addressing the low uptake by improving awareness, simplifying application procedures, and ensuring timely wage payments.
- Periodic review by the Ministry and parliamentary committees to assess the impact on tribal livelihoods and rural poverty.