The Broken Promise of the Right to Work: MGNREGA to VB-GRAM G

Gist The Union government replaced the demand-driven MGNREGA with the fiscally capped Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar & Ajeevika Mission Gramin VB-GRAM G Act , leading to a drastic collapse in rural employment and household earnings. A recent Supreme Court observation probing whether the right to work equates to the fundamental right to life has reignited debates over state capacity and welfare obligations. For an aspirant, this transition is a prime case study in governance, touching upon the enforceability of Directive Principles, fiscal federalism, and the judicial doctrine of non-retrogression. Background The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act MGNREGA of 2005 served as India's sole statutory anchor for the right to work, obligating the State to provide at least 100 days of wage employment per rural household on demand. Historically, the Constituent Assembly placed the right to work under the Directive Principles of State Policy DPSP rather than Fundamental Rights; leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar argued that a newly independent India lacked the fiscal and institutional capacity for universal enforcement. Under Article 41 , the State is directed…