VB - G RAM G Bill proposes no work for 60 days during peak agricultural season

New Delhi: No works will be undertaken under the proposed rural job guarantee law or the 'VB - G RAM G Bill' up to 60 days during peak agricultural seasons to ensure adequate labour supply, amid studies claiming that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is causing a labour crisis in farm sector.

According to the ‘Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevka Mission (Gramin): VB G RAM Bill 2025’, the state governments should notify in advance a period aggregating up to 60 days in a financial year, covering the peak agricultural seasons of sowing and harvesting, and during this period, no works under the rural job guarantee scheme should be undertaken.

The state government can issue distinct notifications for different areas, including districts, blocks or Gram Panchayats, based on agro-climatic zones, local patterns of agricultural activities or other relevant factors, and every such notification shall have a binding effect.

All authorities responsible for planning, sanctioning or executing works should ensure that all works are undertaken only outside the notified peak agricultural seasons, the Bill proposes.

In one of its annual reports, the RBI had said that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which the new Bill seeks to repeal and replace, is causing a labour crisis in agriculture.

"In view of the enhanced wage-employment guarantee for the rural workforce, it is also crucial to facilitate the availability of farm labour, especially during the peak agricultural season," the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill said.

Government sources said farmers benefit directly through both labour availability and better agricultural infrastructure. Notification of peak seasons prevent labour shortages during critical farm operations and avoid labour being diverted away to guaranteed-wage worksites, they said.

Stopping public works during peaks also prevents artificial wage inflation that raises food production costs, sources said while adding that prioritised water works would improve irrigation, groundwater and multi-season cropping potential.

Under the proposed scheme, they said core and livelihood infrastructure development will help the farmers store produce, reduce losses, and access markets. Works under climate resilience will help protect crops and reduce damage, they added.