📰 ‘VB-G RAM G Act’ Seen as Missed Opportunity to Ensure Fair Wages for MGNREGA Workers

The recently discussed “VB-G RAM G Act” is drawing criticism from policy experts and labour rights advocates, who argue that it has failed to address long-standing issues in wage determination under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

MGNREGA, one of India’s largest social welfare programmes, guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households. However, concerns over low and uneven wage rates across states have persisted for years. Critics say the new legislative framework could have been a crucial opportunity to reform these disparities—but falls short of meaningful change.

At the heart of the issue is the way MGNREGA wages are calculated. Currently, wages are often lower than state minimum wages for agricultural labourers, leading to a situation where workers are paid less under a government-backed employment scheme than they might earn elsewhere. Experts argue that this undermines both the intent of the programme and the dignity of labour.

The “VB-G RAM G Act,” which was expected to rationalise and standardise wage calculations, has reportedly not introduced provisions to align MGNREGA wages with statutory minimum wages. Labour economists say this omission leaves intact a system that disadvantages millions of rural workers, particularly in economically weaker regions.

Activists have also pointed out anomalies in wage revisions, delays in payments, and lack of transparency in calculations. They stress that without a clear legal mandate linking MGNREGA wages to inflation and minimum wage benchmarks, workers will continue to face financial insecurity.

Several stakeholders, including rural worker unions and civil society organisations, have called on the government to revisit the provisions and introduce amendments that ensure fair and uniform wage standards across the country.

The criticism highlights a broader concern: while welfare schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act play a vital role in rural livelihoods, their effectiveness depends heavily on fair implementation and timely reforms.

As debates continue, the issue of wage justice under MGNREGA remains a critical policy challenge—one that experts say requires urgent attention to truly fulfil the promise of inclusive growth and economic security for rural India.