Bihar's new rural jobs scheme: More work, bigger bill

India Dec 17, 2025

Bihar is set to roll out a new employment program for rural areas called VB-G RAM G, which is proposed to take over from the old MGNREGS scheme, pending parliamentary approval.
The big change? The state's share of the costs is set to jump, with Bihar now expected to spend around ₹3,000-₹3,500 crore each year starting next fiscal—way more than before.

What's driving up the cost?

Under VB-G RAM G, Bihar's annual contribution could rise from just ₹551 crore under MGNREGS to about ₹2,319 crore in 2025-26.
That's because of a new 60:40 cost split with the central government and a fixed number of workdays.
If Bihar tries to expand the program beyond what Delhi allows, expenses could climb even higher.
For now, these changes are waiting on Parliament's approval.