India’s central government announces VB-GRAMG, a new rural employment mission that replaces MGNREGA starting 1 July 2026. Both outlets report that the transition is intended to be carried out without disrupting existing employment arrangements. They say job cards remain valid, and ongoing work continues even as the programme changes over. Hindustan Times adds that VB-GRAMG provides up to 125 days of work, while noting that the shift involves changes in funding and administrative elements compared with MGNREGA.
The Hindu describes the change as a formal replacement of the current scheme, with specific assurances to workers that records and active entitlements will not be abruptly interrupted. While details vary in emphasis—one outlet focusing on continuity for job cards and ongoing work, the other highlighting the statutory replacement timing and the 125-day figure—both agree on the start date, the replacement of MGNREGA, and that the new scheme includes funding and operational changes as part of the transition.
