UPSC Prelims–level MCQs (2026) based strictly on the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G Act)

 UPSC Prelims–level MCQs (2026) based strictly on the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G Act)

MCQ 1

With reference to the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, consider the following statements:

1. The statutory guarantee of wage employment has been increased beyond 100 days.

2. The legal enforceability of unemployment allowance has been completely removed.

3. The Act retains the justiciable character of the right to employment.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct (guarantee increased to 125 days).

• Statement 2 is incorrect (procedural barriers to unemployment allowance were removed, not the allowance itself).

• Statement 3 is correct (right remains statutory and justiciable).

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MCQ 2

The VB-G RAM G Act challenges which of the following long-standing policy assumptions?

A. Welfare spending inevitably increases fiscal deficits

B. Rural employment schemes reduce agricultural productivity

C. Welfare and development are mutually exclusive policy choices

D. Decentralisation leads to inefficiency

✅ Answer: C

Explanation:

The Act is explicitly based on the idea that welfare (income support) and development (durable assets & productivity) are mutually reinforcing, not competing.

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MCQ 3

Under the VB-G RAM G Act, demand-based employment is best described as:

A. Replaced by centrally sponsored employment quotas

B. Triggered only during natural disasters

C. Originating from workers but operationalised through advance planning

D. Dependent on discretionary State approvals

✅ Answer: C

Explanation:

Demand continues to originate from workers, but advance village-level planning ensures work availability, avoiding administrative delays.

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MCQ 4

Which institution remains the primary planning and implementing authority under the VB-G RAM G Act?

A. District Planning Committee

B. State Rural Development Department

C. Gram Panchayat

D. NITI Aayog

✅ Answer: C

Explanation:

The Gram Panchayat remains central, with Gram Sabha approval, reinforcing decentralisation.

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MCQ 5

Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans under the Act are aggregated primarily to:

A. Replace local priorities with national objectives

B. Enable coordination, convergence, and sectoral visibility

C. Centralise decision-making authority

D. Reduce the role of States in implementation

✅ Answer: B

Explanation:

Aggregation is for coherence, not control. Decision-making remains local.

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MCQ 6

Consider the following statements regarding fiscal provisions of the VB-G RAM G Act:

1. The Centre’s financial contribution has been reduced compared to earlier allocations.

2. The Centre–State funding ratio follows the structure of centrally sponsored schemes.

3. Northeastern and Himalayan States receive differential funding support.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect (Centre’s share increases to ~₹95,000 crore).

• Statement 2 is correct (60:40 ratio).

• Statement 3 is correct (90:10 ratio for special category States).

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MCQ 7

The VB-G RAM G Act allows States to notify up to 60 days in a financial year during which no works shall be undertaken primarily to:

A. Reduce fiscal burden on States

B. Prevent migration during peak seasons

C. Complement agricultural sowing and harvesting cycles

D. Increase private sector participation

✅ Answer: C

Explanation:

This provision ensures employment schemes do not disrupt agricultural operations.

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MCQ 8

Rule-based normative allocation under the Act primarily aims to ensure:

A. Equal fund distribution among all States

B. Political discretion in fund release

C. Equity based on objective parameters

D. Automatic fund lapsing for underperforming States

✅ Answer: C

Explanation:

Allocations are determined using objective, rule-based parameters, ensuring equity.

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MCQ 9

Which of the following implementation weaknesses of the earlier employment guarantee framework influenced the reform under the VB-G RAM G Act?

1. Episodic availability of employment

2. Fragmented and duplicative asset creation

3. Weak enforceability of unemployment allowance

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: D

Explanation:

All three were documented structural weaknesses, especially visible during crises.

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MCQ 10

Which of the following best captures the philosophical foundation of the VB-G RAM G Act?

A. Distress relief as the sole objective of rural employment

B. Welfare as a temporary substitute for market failure

C. Guaranteed livelihoods integrated with productivity-enhancing development

D. Employment generation through privatisation of rural assets

✅ Answer: C

Explanation:

The Act integrates income support, durable assets, and rural productivity into a single statutory framework.