India Proposes MGNREGA Revamp with Increased Employment Days

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1. Proposed Revamp of MGNREGA: Increase in Guaranteed Employment Days and Name Change

The Government of India is considering a significant revamp of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), proposing to increase the number of guaranteed employment days for eligible rural households from 100 to 125 days annually. This proposal was discussed by the Union Cabinet, alongside a potential name change to Pujya Bapu Rural Employment Guarantee Act. The move aims to enhance rural employment opportunities and address evolving needs in rural economies.

Sources within the government indicate that the proposal stems from an ongoing approval process for the scheme's continuation under the Sixteenth Finance Commission awards, effective from April 1, 2026. The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) constituted a committee in 2022 to study state-level performance and governance issues, which submitted its report last year. This forms the basis for the expansion discussions.

During the current financial year 2025-26, up to December 12, 2025, 4.71 crore families, comprising 6.25 crore individuals, have availed benefits under the scheme. The MoRD has circulated a proposal to the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), under the Ministry of Finance, seeking an outlay of Rs 5.23 lakh crore for the five-year period till 2029-30. The EFC appraises government schemes and projects to ensure fiscal viability.

Implementation of the revamp would involve legislative amendments to the MGNREGA Act, 2005, followed by updated guidelines for state governments. States would need to align their implementation mechanisms, including demand registration, work allocation, and wage payments, to accommodate the additional 25 days. This could boost rural incomes, reduce migration pressures, and support infrastructure development in villages.

Administratively, the change promises greater financial allocation and monitoring to prevent leakages, building on digital tools like the National Mobile Monitoring System. Public impact includes enhanced livelihood security for rural poor, potentially stimulating local economies through increased spending power. Challenges such as timely wage payments and work quality, persistent in the scheme, would require strengthened oversight.

2. Approval for Rs 11,718 Crore Digital Census 2027 with Caste Enumeration

The Union Cabinet has approved Rs 11,718 crore for conducting Census 2027, marking India's first fully digital census exercise. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this on Friday, highlighting its focus on data protection and comprehensive data collection. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs decided on April 30, 2025, to include caste enumeration in the second phase.

This will be the 16th census in India's history and the eighth since Independence. A gazette notification will detail data fields, including housing conditions, amenities, assets, demography, religion, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes status, language, literacy, economic activity, migration, and fertility. Approximately 30 lakh field functionaries will execute the exercise using digital tools.

The digital framework incorporates a Houselisting Block (HLB) Creator web map application for charge officers and a self-enumeration option for the public. Data protection measures ensure privacy compliance, addressing concerns in a digital age. The census process will unfold in phases, starting with houselisting and population enumeration.

Implementation involves coordination between the Registrar General of India, state governments, and local bodies. Training programs for enumerators and public awareness campaigns will precede the exercise. Administratively, it streamlines data aggregation for policy planning, replacing paper-based methods prone to errors.

Public impact is profound, providing updated demographic data for resource allocation in welfare schemes, electoral delimitation, and development programs. Caste enumeration will inform targeted affirmative action, while digital self-enumeration enhances accessibility and accuracy. This census will underpin national planning till 2036, influencing sectors from education to urban development.

3. Launch of 'CoalSETU' Window for Coal Linkage Auctions

The government has approved the 'CoalSETU' window under the Non-Regulated Sector Linkage Auction Policy of 2016, enabling auction-based allocation of long-term coal linkages for industrial use and exports. This initiative ensures fair access and optimal utilisation of coal resources, addressing demands from diverse sectors.

CoalSETU introduces a dedicated platform for non-regulated sectors, streamlining the auction process. It covers linkages for industries such as cement, steel, and power, alongside export provisions. This builds on existing policies to enhance transparency and efficiency in coal distribution.

Implementation will integrate with the existing auction portal, managed by the Ministry of Coal. Bidders from eligible industries can participate, with allocations based on competitive pricing and commitments. The window mitigates shortages by prioritising long-term supply assurances.

Administratively, it reduces discretionary allocations, promoting market-driven mechanisms. Public sector undertakings like Coal India Limited will supply the linkages, ensuring steady production ramps up. This supports energy security amid rising industrial demands.

Impact on industries includes cost predictability and supply reliability, potentially lowering production costs. For the public, it aids economic growth by sustaining manufacturing and job creation. Exports could boost foreign exchange, while domestic focus prevents hoarding.

4. DGCA Sacks Four Inspectors Amid IndiGo Flight Disruptions

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has terminated four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) responsible for oversight of IndiGo's compliance with new pilot rest and duty duration rules, following major disruptions in flight operations last week. This action underscores regulatory accountability in aviation safety.

The sackings address lapses in monitoring IndiGo's preparations for revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL). A Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan, directed a report submission by December 17, 2025, with hearing fixed for December 18. Justice Pardiwala remarked on the urgency, stating the court cannot allow prolonged unresolved issues.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu chaired a meeting emphasising passenger importance, as per a PIB release. The ministry and DGCA are reviewing broader sector challenges, including regulatory oversight.

Implementation involves appointing new inspectors and enforcing FDTL strictly, with audits and training. IndiGo must rectify scheduling to prevent cancellations. States with major airports will coordinate for smoother operations.

Administrative impact strengthens DGCA's enforcement, answering calls to regulate regulators. Publicly, it prioritises safety, reducing disruptions affecting millions. Long-term, it pushes aviation growth with robust standards, vital for India's expanding sector.

5. PM Modi and US President Trump Discuss Bilateral Ties and Trade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, reviewing progress in India-US relations and discussing trade, technology, defence, and security. This marks their third call since US tariffs on Indian goods, following the October 22, 2025, Diwali greeting.

The Prime Minister's Office stated both leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments, focusing on expanding cooperation under the India-US COMPACT initiative for military partnership, commerce, and technology. Trade talks highlight a $200 billion annual relationship lacking a comprehensive pact after six rounds.

Key issues include US 50 per cent tariffs, India's resistance to opening agriculture and dairy markets, data localisation, and H-1B visa fees. India pursues bilateral deals post-RCEP exit in 2019.

Implementation requires diplomatic negotiations, potentially easing tariffs for mutual gains. Administratively, it aligns ministries like Commerce and External Affairs for 2026 reforms.

Impact bolsters strategic ties, aiding technology transfers and defence deals. Publicly, it supports IT exports and jobs, fostering economic resilience against global frictions.

6. CERT-In Hosts Foreign Journalists on Cybersecurity Framework

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) hosted visiting foreign journalists for an interaction on India's cybersecurity framework, as per a PIB release dated December 13, 2025. This outreach highlights national capabilities in digital security.

The session covered CERT-In's role in threat mitigation, incident response, and international cooperation. It aligns with India's push for robust cyber defences amid rising threats.

Implementation involves ongoing capacity building and policy updates. States participate through coordinated response units.

Administratively, it enhances global partnerships. Public impact builds trust in digital infrastructure, protecting critical sectors.

7. Orientation Programme for Newly Promoted APFCs at PDUNASS

Commissioner Shri Ramesh Krishnamurthi graced the valedictory ceremony of an orientation programme for newly promoted Assistant Provident Fund Commissioners (APFCs) Batch-II at PDUNASS, per PIB on December 13, 2025. This equips officials for EPFO operations.

The programme covers scheme administration, compliance, and digital tools. It supports labour welfare governance.

Implementation spans nationwide EPFO offices. States benefit from trained staff.

Impact improves service delivery for 6 crore+ subscribers, streamlining claims and grievance redressal.

8. Emphasis on Passenger Rights in Civil Aviation Review

Civil Aviation Minister Shri Rammohan Naidu stressed that every passenger is important during a review meeting on December 12, 2025. This follows IndiGo issues, prioritising consumer protection.

The meeting directed enhanced monitoring and compensation mechanisms.

Implementation via DGCA directives. Public impact ensures reliable travel.

9. Promotion of Lok Adalats for Dispute Resolution

Government highlights Lok Adalats as consensus-based forums for timely justice from national to taluk levels, per PIB. They resolve disputes informally.

Upcoming sessions aim at high pendency cases.

Impact reduces judicial backlog, aiding citizens.

10. Proposed Jan Vishwas Siddhant for Regulatory Reforms

The Jan Vishwas Siddhant proposes converting licences outside security, safety, health, and environment to perpetual self-registration, enabling "everything permitted till prohibited." It mandates a single database for transparency.

Building on Jan Vishwas Act, it simplifies compliance.

Implementation via legislative changes. Impact eases business, boosts governance efficiency.

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