61.5% of women taking up G RAM G work shows positive indicator of rural livelihoods

In the wake of Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB G RAM G Act) replacing MGNREGA, government data reveals a significant surge in job opportunities for women across rural India. As of now, women constitute 61.5% of the 11.4 crore person-days created under the new scheme.

While MGNREGA had previously seen women's participation exceeding 50%, VB G RAM G's impact has been even more pronounced. In 2025-26, women made up 57.25% of the person-days, up from 58.9% in the previous year. This positive trend highlights the potential for rural women's livelihood options, although civil society groups argue that men often opt for higher-paying jobs outside the scheme.

In response to demands for wage increases, the government has introduced a new interim base wage rate of Rs 300 per day, with a national average increase from Rs 298.8 to Rs 327.4 per day. However, the parliamentary standing committee on rural development and panchayati raj has cautioned against complacency, calling for a comprehensive review of the wage-determination methodology.

The committee recommends raising the minimum wage to Rs 400 per day, taking regional differences and inflation into account. Pending structural revisions, extra fiscal space should be secured for substantial wage adjustments in the current cycle.