New Delhi: In a major policy decision, the Central Government has decided to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005. The flagship rural employment scheme will now be known as the Pujya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Guarantee Bill 2025.
According to official sources, the decision aims to bring a refreshed identity to the rural employment guarantee programme while retaining its core purpose of providing livelihood support to rural households across India.
The scheme, originally launched in 2005 as MGNREGA, guarantees 100 days of wage employment to every rural household willing to undertake unskilled manual work. Over the years, it has become a critical support system for the rural workforce, especially during economic slowdowns and crises.
The government is expected to introduce the updated bill during the upcoming parliamentary session. Key features of the programme—such as guaranteed employment days, timely wage payments, and transparency mechanisms—are likely to remain intact, while new reforms may be incorporated to improve efficiency and accountability.
More details on the revised implementation framework and funding model are expected to be announced by the Ministry of Rural Development in the coming days.
