PANAJI
The BJP Goa on Saturday said the Centre has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new law called the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. The party said the new Act aims to strengthen rural jobs and livelihoods.
At a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Panaji, Union Minister of State Shripad Naik said works under the new law will be decided by Gram Sabhas and panchayats as per local needs. Payments will be made only for work that is actually completed.
He said digital tracking, biometric checks and technology-based monitoring will be used to bring more transparency and accountability.
Former MP Narendra Sawaikar said the Act came into force on December 21, 2025. It raises the number of guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125 and updates the rural jobs scheme in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.
Sawaikar said the scheme will focus on water management, rural infrastructure, climate-related works and women’s empowerment. At least one-third of the beneficiaries will have to be women. He added that the cost of the scheme will be shared by the Centre and the States in a 60:40 ratio.
Replying to questions on local issues such as the Unity Mall, Naik said the government is open to talks. On the demand for Special Status for Goa, he said it is a constitutional matter.
