16 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceEconomySocial IssuesNEWS

Rural Jobs Act Provisions Challenged in Madras High Court

PIL challenges key provisions of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar Act.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Madras High Court challenging eight provisions of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act) of 2025, which replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005. The petitioner, T. Sivagnanasambandan, argues that the new Act shifts the cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States, reducing the financial burden exemption for states.

He also claims that the VB-G RAM G Act diminishes the autonomy granted to village panchayats under the 73rd Constitutional amendment. The petitioner contends that Sections 3(1), 4(5), 5(1), 6(2), 22, 30, 34 and 37 of the VB-G RAM G Act are unconstitutional as they violate Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Constitution.

Key Facts

A PIL has been filed in the Madras High Court challenging eight provisions of the VB-G RAM G Act of 2025.

The VB-G RAM G Act replaced the MGNREGA of 2005.

The petitioner argues the new Act shifts the cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States.

The petitioner claims the new Act reduces the financial burden exemption for states.

The petitioner argues the new Act diminishes the autonomy of village panchayats.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Connects to syllabus areas of social justice, poverty alleviation, and rural development.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs on the provisions of MGNREGA and VB-G RAM G Act, analytical questions on the impact of the new Act on rural employment.

In Simple Words

The government changed the rules for the rural jobs program (like MGNREGA). Someone went to court saying the new rules aren't fair. They think it'll hurt poor people in villages because the states have to pay more, and villages have less control.

India Angle

In India, many families in villages depend on these job programs for income. If the government changes how these programs work, it directly affects whether they can feed their families or send their kids to school.

For Instance

Imagine your apartment building used to split maintenance costs 90/10 with the builder, but now it's 60/40. You'd have to pay more, and maybe you couldn't afford other things.

This matters because it affects the jobs and income of millions of people in rural areas. It's about whether the government is helping or hurting the poorest citizens.

When the rules change at the top, it's the people at the bottom who feel it most.

Visual Insights

Madras High Court Jurisdiction

Shows the states over which the Madras High Court has jurisdiction, where the PIL challenging the VB-G RAM G Act was filed.

Loading interactive map...

📍Tamil Nadu📍Puducherry

More Information

Background

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005, the predecessor to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act), aimed to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. This demand-driven program was designed to be implemented primarily by Gram Panchayats, strengthening local self-governance. The enactment of MGNREGA was rooted in the constitutional mandate of promoting social and economic justice, as enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy. It sought to address rural poverty, unemployment, and distress migration. The Act also aimed to create durable assets, such as water conservation structures and rural infrastructure, contributing to sustainable development. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which granted autonomy to village panchayats, played a crucial role in shaping the decentralized approach of MGNREGA. The current challenge to the VB-G RAM G Act in the Madras High Court highlights concerns about potential deviations from these foundational principles.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there have been ongoing debates regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of MGNREGA and potential reforms. Several committees have been formed to review the program and suggest improvements. These reviews often focus on issues such as wage rates, timely payments, and the creation of durable assets. The Ministry of Rural Development has been actively involved in implementing changes to enhance the program's impact. Furthermore, there has been increasing emphasis on convergence between MGNREGA and other rural development programs, such as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), to create more comprehensive livelihood opportunities. The focus is shifting towards skill development and diversification of employment options for rural households. The outcomes of the PIL filed in the Madras High Court could significantly influence the future trajectory of rural employment guarantee schemes in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key differences between the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act) and MGNREGA that are being challenged?

The key differences being challenged relate to the cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States, reduced financial burden exemption for states, and diminished autonomy for village panchayats. The petitioner argues these changes, introduced by the VB-G RAM G Act, undermine the original intent of MGNREGA and violate constitutional provisions.

2. Why is the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act) in the news recently?

The VB-G RAM G Act is in the news because a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Madras High Court challenging eight of its provisions. The PIL argues that these provisions are unconstitutional and negatively impact states and village panchayats.

3. What are the constitutional articles that the petitioner claims are violated by the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act)?

The petitioner, T. Sivagnanasambandan, contends that Sections 3(1), 4(5), 5(1), 6(2), 22, 30, 34 and 37 of the VB-G RAM G Act are unconstitutional as they violate Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Constitution.

4. How does the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act) impact the financial burden on states compared to MGNREGA?

The VB-G RAM G Act shifts the cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States, potentially reducing the financial burden exemption for states. Under MGNREGA, the cost-sharing ratio was 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan states. The VB-G RAM G Act changes this to 60:40 for states other than northeastern and Himalayan States, increasing the financial burden on those states.

5. What is the significance of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in the context of the challenge to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act)?

The petitioner claims that the VB-G RAM G Act diminishes the autonomy granted to village panchayats under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. The 73rd Amendment aimed to empower local self-governance, and the petitioner argues that the new Act undermines this empowerment.

6. What are the potential implications of the Madras High Court's decision on the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act)?

If the High Court rules in favor of the petitioner, it could lead to significant revisions in the VB-G RAM G Act, potentially restoring aspects of MGNREGA related to cost-sharing and panchayat autonomy. Conversely, if the court upholds the Act, it would validate the changes made to the rural employment guarantee scheme.

7. Can you list important dates related to this issue for the UPSC exam?

Important dates include 2005, when the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was enacted, and 2025, when the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act) replaced MGNREGA.

8. What are the arguments in favor of and against the changes introduced by the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act)?

Arguments in favor might focus on increased efficiency or better resource allocation. Arguments against often cite reduced state autonomy and potential weakening of the social safety net provided by MGNREGA. As per available information, the arguments against are that the cost-sharing ratio changes and reduced autonomy for village panchayats.

9. For Prelims, what key facts should I remember about the PIL challenging the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act)?

Remember that a PIL has been filed in the Madras High Court challenging eight provisions of the VB-G RAM G Act of 2025, which replaced MGNREGA. The petitioner argues the new Act shifts the cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States and diminishes the autonomy of village panchayats.

10. What is the cost-sharing arrangement between the Centre and States under MGNREGA and the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act)?

Under MGNREGA, the cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States was 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan states. Under the VB-G RAM G Act, the cost-sharing ratio is 60:40 for states other than northeastern and Himalayan States.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act) of 2025, as challenged in the Madras High Court: 1. The petitioner argues that the VB-G RAM G Act shifts the cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States, reducing the financial burden exemption for states. 2. The petitioner contends that the VB-G RAM G Act enhances the autonomy granted to village panchayats under the 73rd Constitutional amendment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The petitioner, T. Sivagnanasambandan, argues that the new Act shifts the cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States, reducing the financial burden exemption for states. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The petitioner claims that the VB-G RAM G Act diminishes the autonomy granted to village panchayats under the 73rd Constitutional amendment. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.

2. Which of the following Articles of the Constitution are alleged to be violated by Sections 3(1), 4(5), 5(1), 6(2), 22, 30, 34 and 37 of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act) of 2025, as per the PIL filed in the Madras High Court?

A.Articles 14, 19, and 25
B.Articles 14, 16, and 21
C.Articles 25, 29, and 30
D.Articles 32, 226, and 227

Show Answer

Answer: B

The petitioner contends that Sections 3(1), 4(5), 5(1), 6(2), 22, 30, 34 and 37 of the VB-G RAM G Act are unconstitutional as they violate Articles 14 (Equality before law), 16 (Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment), and 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty) of the Constitution.

3. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005, the predecessor to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act?

A.To provide subsidized food grains to rural households.
B.To enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment.
C.To promote industrial development in rural areas.
D.To provide free housing to all rural families.

Show Answer

Answer: B

The primary objective of MGNREGA was to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. This is a well-established fact about MGNREGA.