VB-G RAM G Wage Rates 2026: India’s rural employment guarantee system has entered a new chapter. On July 1, 2026, the central government formally replaced the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, commonly known as VB-G RAM G. Along with the changeover came a fresh notification of daily wage rates for unskilled manual workers across all states and union territories.
This guide breaks down what changed, why it matters, and what it means for rural households — in plain language, without the jargon.
What Is VB-G RAM G, in Simple Terms?
VB-G RAM G is the legal successor to MGNREGA. President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Act after it was passed by Parliament, and it came into force nationwide from July 1, 2026, replacing the MGNREGA framework that had guided rural employment guarantee schemes since 2005.
The stated goal of the new law is to shift rural work programmes from a purely welfare-based model toward one that also builds durable village infrastructure, supports water security, and strengthens local livelihoods — all framed under the government’s broader “Viksit Bharat @2047” vision.
State-Wise VB-G RAM G Wage Rates (Effective July 1, 2026)
| State / Union Territory | Daily Wage (₹) |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 312 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 300 |
| Assam | 300 |
| Bihar | 300 |
| Chhattisgarh | 300 |
| Goa | 406 |
| Gujarat | 300 |
| Haryana | 409 |
| Himachal Pradesh (Non-Scheduled Areas) | 300 |
| Himachal Pradesh (Scheduled Areas) | 375 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 300 |
| Ladakh | 300 |
| Jharkhand | 300 |
| Karnataka | 382 |
| Kerala | 401 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 300 |
| Maharashtra | 317 |
| Manipur | 300 |
| Meghalaya | 300 |
| Mizoram | 300 |
| Nagaland | 300 |
| Odisha | 300 |
| Punjab | 360 |
| Rajasthan | 300 |
| Sikkim (General) | 300 |
| Sikkim (Gnathang, Lachung, Lachen GPs) | 450 |
| Tamil Nadu | 345 |
| Telangana | 308 |
| Tripura | 300 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 300 |
| Uttarakhand | 300 |
| West Bengal | 300 |
| Andaman District | 348 |
| Nicobar District | 367 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | 340 |
| Lakshadweep | 348 |
| Puducherry | 347 |
Rates reflect the daily wage notified for unskilled manual work under the VB-G RAM G Act. Figures are drawn from the official government notification and subsequent media reporting; workers should verify their district-specific rate through official channels before relying on these numbers for financial decisions.
MGNREGA vs. VB-G RAM G: How the Two Compare
| Feature | MGNREGA (Earlier) | VB-G RAM G (From July 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed work days per year | 100 | 125 |
| Minimum daily wage | As low as ~₹241 in some states | ₹300 nationwide floor |
| Wage funding pattern | 100% Centre-funded wages; material cost split 75:25 | 60:40 Centre-State split generally; 90:10 for Northeastern and Himalayan states |
| Legal basis | MGNREGA, 2005 | VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 |
| Payment mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) | Continues via DBT, Aadhaar-linked accounts |
The shift to 125 guaranteed days is one of the most consequential changes. Where earlier the extra 50 days were only available in drought-hit or disaster-notified areas, or up to 150 days for certain Scheduled Tribe households in forest regions, the new law makes 125 days the standard entitlement for all eligible rural households rather than a conditional exception.
Regional Wage Increases: Who Gained the Most?
Reports following the notification indicate that northern and northeastern states saw the sharpest wage increases — several crossing 15% over their earlier MGNREGA rates — while some southern states, which already had comparatively higher wages, saw smaller percentage increases, in some cases under 3%. This pattern reflects the effect of introducing a uniform wage floor: states starting from a lower base naturally see the largest jump.
Job Cards, Attendance, and Payments Under the New Law
If you already hold an MGNREGA job card, you generally don’t need to apply for a new one immediately. Existing e-KYC verified job cards remain valid while the transition to new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards takes place, and ongoing MGNREGA works continue under the new Act.
Key operational points to know:
- Attendance continues to be tracked digitally, with biometric and GPS-enabled monitoring systems used to verify worksite presence.
- Wage payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer into Aadhaar-linked bank or post office accounts, with a target payment window of within 15 days of the muster roll closing.
- Unemployment allowance provisions remain in place — if a household applies for work and isn’t provided employment within the stipulated timeframe, they remain entitled to compensation, similar to the earlier MGNREGA framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage under VB-G RAM G? ₹300 per day is the new floor, applying to states and union territories that previously had lower rates under MGNREGA.
When did VB-G RAM G come into effect? The Act and its wage notification took effect from July 1, 2026.
How many days of guaranteed work does VB-G RAM G offer? 125 days per rural household per financial year, up from 100 days under MGNREGA.
Is my old MGNREGA job card still valid? Yes, existing e-KYC verified job cards remain valid during the transition period, until new cards under VB-G RAM G are issued.
Where is the highest wage rate under VB-G RAM G? ₹450 per day, applicable to three gram panchayats in Sikkim — Gnathang, Lachung, and Lachen.
Did every state get a wage increase? Yes, wage rates were revised across all states and union territories, though the size of the increase varies by region, with northern and northeastern states generally seeing the largest percentage gains.