The Union government’s sudden move to repeal the United Progressive Alliance-era (UPA-era) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and introduce instead The Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB–G RAM G Act) has been met with criticism for dismantling a first of its kind right to work programme for the rural poor.What lies behind the cosmetic changes of the changed name of the legislation, what will be the impact on the rural poor, and the fiscal burden of the states?The Wire’s Sravasti Dasgupta is joined by economist and rights activist who has been closely associated with MGNREGA from its inception Jean Drèze.