Developed India Jiramji Bill - Employment and Rural Development

Introduction

The central government is set to introduce a new rural employment law in the Lok Sabha, which proposes to repeal the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replace it with a new bill.

The new bill is called the Developed India Jiramji (Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission, Rural) Bill 2025. Its goal is to align rural employment and development with the vision for Developed India 2047.

What is Developed India Jiramji?

Developed India Jiramji is an upgraded framework of MGNREGA. Under the new scheme, all the assets created will be integrated into the National Rural Infrastructure of Developed India. The objective is to ensure a unified and coordinated national approach for rural development.

How is it Different from MGNREGA?

The new Act is an advanced version of MGNREGA, addressing structural weaknesses while enhancing employment, transparency, planning, and accountability.

Key Improvements:

• Higher Employment Guarantee: The employment guarantee has been increased from 100 days to 125 days, providing greater income security for rural families.
• Focus on a Planned Structure: Under MGNREGA, the works were scattered across various categories. Developed India Jiramji categorizes them into four areas.
• Locally Integrated Planning: The new Act mandates the creation of developed village panchayat plans, which will be self-created by panchayats and integrated with national systems like PM Gati Shakti.
• Water Security Focus: Priority has been given to water-related projects, with Mission Amrit Sarovar already constructing/rehabilitating over 68,000 water bodies, which have a visible impact on agriculture and groundwater.
• Core Rural Infrastructure: Roads, connectivity, and basic infrastructure will promote market access and rural business activities.
• Livelihood Infrastructure: Storage, markets, and production assets will assist income diversification.
• Climate Resilience: Infrastructure for water conservation, flood drainage, and soil protection will safeguard rural livelihoods.
• Higher Employment: The 125-day employment guarantee will increase family incomes, boosting the rural economy.
• Reduced Migration: With more rural opportunities and sustainable assets, the pressure to migrate will decrease.
• Digital Activities: Digital presence, payments, and data-based planning will enhance efficiency.

Benefits for Farmers

• Guaranteed Labor Availability: States can notify up to 60 days during sowing/harvest periods when Developed India Jiramji work will be suspended, preventing labor shortages during critical agricultural tasks.
• Control on Wage Inflation: Halting public works during intensive agricultural activities will prevent artificial wage inflation, ensuring no rise in food production costs.
• Water and Irrigation Resources: Priority water projects will improve irrigation, groundwater, and multi-seasonal crop production capacity (supporting over 68,000 Amrit Sarovars).
• Better Connectivity and Storage: Core and livelihood infrastructure will assist farmers in storing produce, minimizing loss, and accessing markets.
• Climate Change Awareness: Flood drainage, water conservation, and soil protection will protect crops and minimize damage.

Benefits for Workers

• Higher Income: The new plan guarantees 125 days of work, leading to a 25% increase in potential wages for workers.
• Fixed Work Availability: Pre-determined work availability will be ensured through the Developed Village Panchayat plan.
• Digital Payments: Electronic wages will continue with full biometric and Aadhaar-based verification (99.94% in 2024-25), eliminating wage theft.
• Unemployment Benefits: States will be required to provide unemployment benefits if work is not available.
• Asset Creation: Workers will benefit from the construction of infrastructure like roads, water bodies, and livelihood assets.

Why the Change from MGNREGA?

MGNREGA was created in 2005, but rural India has undergone significant changes since then. According to various surveys, the poverty rate has reduced from 25.7% (2011-12) to 4.86% (2023-24) due to increased consumption, income, and financial inclusion. With stronger social security, better connectivity, and digital access, the old framework no longer aligns with today's rural economy. Given these structural changes, MGNREGA's model became outdated. The Developed India Jiramji Bill is the modern version of this system, offering a more accountable and relevant employment framework for the current rural economy.