**Title:** Union Minister Assures MGNREGA Workers Job Security Under New Act
**Meta Description:** Union Agriculture Minister reassures MGNREGA workers of job security under the new Viksit Bharat Act, enhancing employment and service conditions.
**URL Slug:** mgnrega-job-security-viksit-bharat-act
—
**Union Minister Assures MGNREGA Workers Job Security Under New Act**
In a significant move to reassure grassroots workers, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed on Tuesday that the jobs and service conditions of MGNREGA functionaries will be fully safeguarded under the newly enacted Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. This assurance was made during a large-scale interactive session conducted via video conferencing, which connected over two lakh MGNREGA functionaries from nearly 45,000 locations across various states and Union Territories.
The session aimed to clarify the provisions of the new rural employment law and address concerns regarding job continuity, honorarium payments, and administrative arrangements during the transition from the existing MGNREGA framework.
**No Job Losses Under the New Act**
Minister Chouhan emphasized that no current MGNREGA worker will face job loss due to the implementation of the new Act. He referenced Section 37(3) of the VB-G RAM G Act, which explicitly protects the services of all personnel currently engaged under MGNREGA. “The same workforce that has been implementing MGNREGA will now implement the new Act. There will be no disruption in employment or service delivery,” he stated, highlighting the importance of the experience and grassroots connection of MGNREGA functionaries for the success of rural development programs.
**Key Provisions of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025**
Officials outlined significant provisions of the VB-G RAM G Act, including an increase in guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days per year. The Act aims to enhance livelihood security, promote inclusivity, and align rural employment with sustainable asset and livelihood creation.
**Ensuring a Smooth Transition**
The minister instructed state governments to take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted services for functionaries during the transition. He stressed the need for close coordination between the Centre and States to maintain operational stability and ensure compliance with statutory provisions related to tenure and service conditions.
**Increased Administrative Allocation for Timely Payments**
Addressing concerns regarding delays in honorarium payments, Chouhan announced an increase in the administrative expenditure ceiling from 6% to 9% under the new Act. This enhancement is expected to facilitate timely payments and improve working conditions, capacity building, and support systems for frontline staff.
**Positive Reception from MGNREGA Functionaries**
MGNREGA functionaries welcomed the government’s outreach, noting that the interaction addressed long-standing concerns and restored confidence in the transition to the new law. Many participants expressed their commitment to ensuring its effective implementation.
In conclusion, Minister Chouhan reiterated that the services of all MGNREGA functionaries will remain uninterrupted even after the new legislation comes into effect, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting rural employment and development.
—
**FAQ**
**Will MGNREGA workers lose their jobs under the new Act?**
No, MGNREGA workers will not lose their jobs due to the new Viksit Bharat Act. The Act explicitly protects the employment of all current MGNREGA functionaries.
