NationalTuesday, 1 September 2026·The Hindu - Economy
Article 41 and MGNREGA-to-VB-GRAM G shift: right to work debate in India
A Supreme Court hearing in August 2026 revived debate on Article 41, MGNREGA, and the new VB-GRAM G Act that began on July 1, 2026.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On August 21, 2026, a three-judge Supreme Court Bench led by the Chief Justice of India examined the right to work debate, while the Union government’s VB-GRAM G Act had already begun implementation on July 1, 2026.
Key specifics
- Article 41 of the Directive Principles says the State shall, within its economic capacity, secure the right to work.
- Articles 39, 42 and 43 refer to livelihood, equal pay for equal work, humane conditions of work and a living wage.
- MGNREGA provided up to 100 days of work per rural household and was replaced by the VB-GRAM G Act in December 2025.
- About 3.44 crore households worked for around 44 crore person-days under MGNREGA in July and August over the previous five years.
- Employment in July and August 2026 fell by 68% compared with the average of the preceding five years.
Exam lens
Question type: Constitution + welfare scheme comparison, key facts: Article 41, DPSP, MGNREGA 100 days, VB-GRAM G Act December 2025, 68% fall in employment. TNPSC one-liner: Which constitutional provision speaks of the State securing the right to work?