New Delhi: The Centre on Monday announced that the new Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act will come into force nationwide from 1 July, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

In a notification issued by the Ministry of Rural Development, the government said the legislation would be implemented across all states and Union Territories from the beginning of next month.

A separate notification confirmed that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, enacted in 2005, would be repealed and replaced under the new framework.

The ministry said the transition would be carried out without disrupting employment opportunities for rural workers. Ongoing projects under MGNREGA as of 30 June will continue seamlessly under the new system, while existing e-KYC verified job cards will remain valid until fresh “gramin rozgar guarantee cards” are issued.

Officials also stated that workers would not be denied employment if their e-KYC process remains incomplete. Registration for those without job cards will continue through gram panchayats.

ALSO READ | What is the VB–G RAM G Bill set to replace MGNREGA? All you need to know

The ministry added that draft rules covering wage payments, grievance redressal, allocation norms and transitional arrangements are currently being prepared in consultation with states and Union Territories. These are expected to be released soon for public consultation.

Describing gram panchayats as the “central pillar” of rural transformation, the government said the new law is aimed at strengthening employment generation, improving rural infrastructure and promoting self-reliance in villages.