Bhopal, Jan 7 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal commended the recently passed Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, which supersedes the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The officials characterized the new law, presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament, as a transformative initiative poised to reshape rural landscapes and dismissed the opposition from Congress leaders as unfounded and ineffective.

Chief Minister Yadav highlighted a crucial feature that permits states to declare a maximum of 60 days of suspension during peak sowing and harvesting periods within a fiscal year.

"This will alleviate challenges for farmers in sourcing labor," he stated.

Furthermore, he elaborated, "Workers can benefit from agricultural income during the season while utilizing this scheme for the remainder of the year, effectively doubling their earnings. The Act also addresses issues arising from natural disasters and unique situations, broadening its scope to activities like constructing cowsheds in tribal and aspirational districts, and it gives priority to marginalized groups such as women, SC/ST communities, and landless families. The Act strengthens the wage structure for skilled labor, with the Central government setting wage rates," he added, detailing the advantages for Madhya Pradesh, the second-largest state in India.

"This law offers enhanced flexibility, increased funding, and comprehensive provisions for ponds, water conservation, livestock management, and infrastructure development," he continued, mentioning that 15 departments will collaborate to generate employment through the scheme.

CM Yadav emphasized opportunities in tribal areas and aspirational districts, associating the initiative with agriculture, rainwater harvesting, and rural upliftment.

"It establishes legal employment rights and aims to genuinely enhance village structures based on local requirements," the Chief Minister remarked.

Khandelwal, also the state Kisan Morcha President, underscored essential attributes of the Act.

He pointed out that it guarantees 125 days of paid employment annually for each rural household, an increase from the prior 100 days under MGNREGA.

The Act includes provisions for wage slips, improved decentralization, and the empowerment of Gram Panchayats.

"The Gram Panchayat will have complete authority over family registration, employment guarantees, and project selection," Khandelwal explained.

"The Panchayat will determine projects with guidance from the state government, which will also share financial responsibilities," he continued.

Drawing on his rural experiences, Khandelwal emphasized that this provision ensures laborers will be accessible for agricultural work during critical times.

The leaders countered misconceptions propagated by the Opposition Congress, asserting that the Act enhances the power of local bodies rather than centralizing authority. They called on the public to recognize its beneficial effects on rural communities.