Centre issued draft rules for VB-GRAMG (Vikas Bharat Gramin Mission for Guaranteed Employment) on December 15, 2024, replacing MGNREGA from July 1, 2026. The new mission proposes National Employment Registry, biometric attendance, and enhanced wage rates at ₹350 per day. Draft rules introduce skill-based job categories, private sector partnerships, and digital monitoring through blockchain technology. Public consultation period ends February 28, 2025.

VB-GRAMG represents a paradigm shift from MGNREGA's traditional approach to rural employment guarantee. While MGNREGA focused on unskilled manual work, VB-GRAMG introduces skill-based categories including digital literacy, renewable energy installation, and micro-manufacturing. The mission aims to bridge the rural-urban skill gap while maintaining the employment guarantee principle. The National Employment Registry will create a unified database linking Aadhaar, skill assessments, and employment history. Private sector partnerships mark a departure from purely government-executed works, potentially creating market-linked opportunities in rural areas. Blockchain-based monitoring addresses corruption concerns that plagued MGNREGA implementation. Enhanced wage rates reflect inflation adjustments and aim to prevent distress migration. The transition period allows states to wind down existing MGNREGA projects while preparing infrastructure for the new system. However, concerns exist about job guarantee dilution and increased bureaucratic complexity. The draft rules mandate state governments to establish skill development centers and digital payment infrastructure by March 2026.