The transition from MGNREGS to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) saw registered workers drop by 67.6 lakh in the first fortnight, a 2.5% decline, according to LibTech India. Active workers also fell by 26.3 lakh (2.43%).
The new law, effective July 1, 2026, replaced the 2005 MGNREGA Act. Rural Development Ministry officials attributed the decline to ongoing record updates, stating worker counts are dynamic and subject to state-level verification.
State-Wise Worker Reductions
Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana accounted for 75% of the net fall in registered workers and 81% of active worker declines. Bihar lost 5.98 lakh workers, Uttar Pradesh 8.06 lakh, and Telangana 7.20 lakh.
Digital Verification Concerns
LibTech India noted that while e-KYC-verified MGNREGA job cards remain valid, the framework lacks clarity on protecting workers unable to complete e-KYC or facial recognition. This marks the fourth major reduction tied to digital compliance since 2022.
Officials reported 76.71 lakh workers received employment under VB-G RAM G, with 84,000 new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards issued. No complaints were logged over e-KYC or face authentication delays.
