The Central Government is preparing to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to the "Pujya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Guarantee Bill 2025". This proposed change, potentially the most significant identity shift in the scheme's 20-year history, is expected to be approved by the Prime Minister Modi-led Cabinet.
Launched in 2005, MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work. It has grown into one of India's most ambitious social security interventions, providing a vital safety net for rural workers, particularly during economic downturns and crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the program supported a large number of migrant workers who had returned to their villages, offering crucial economic support. The program has also facilitated greater participation of women in the workforce by providing employment opportunities closer to their homes.
Government officials have stated that the renaming aims to give the rural employment program a refreshed identity while staying true to its primary goal: providing livelihood support to rural households. The inclusion of "Pujya Bapu" in the title is intended as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's advocacy for rural regeneration and meaningful work that addresses local community needs. The renaming aligns the program more closely with Gandhi's vision of self-reliant villages.
The core features of MGNREGA, such as the guaranteed employment days, timely wage payments, and transparency measures, are expected to remain unchanged. However, the government is also considering introducing new reforms to enhance efficiency and accountability. This includes reviewing operational guidelines, transparency norms, and decentralized planning mechanisms to ensure the scheme reflects present-day labor trends and rural development priorities. The Ministry of Rural Development is expected to release further details about the revised implementation framework and funding structure in the coming days.
Alongside the renaming of MGNREGA, the Cabinet is also expected to clear the Vikas Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan Bill 2025, signaling significant changes in the education sector. Both initiatives highlight the government's focus on making rural jobs and education more accessible and equitable.
Supporters of the renaming believe it will boost rural sentiment and reinforce the scheme's positioning as a core social safety net. The timing of the proposal aligns with an increased emphasis on rural development. While some critics may question the timing and political optics, proponents maintain that the new name reflects respect for a national figure and continuity of purpose.
