New Delhi, Jan 19: Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday accused Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi of spreading misinformation about the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) scheme. He asserted that the new Act, which will replace MGNREGA, actually strengthens the Right to Work.
Addressing a press conference, Chouhan said Congress’ nationwide campaign, launched as part of the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’, was misleading the public by claiming employment under the scheme would be limited to certain panchayats. The campaign began on January 10 and criticises the repeal of the UPA-era Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
“I would like to tell Rahul Gandhi ji and Mallikarjun Kharge ji that by spreading misinformation about VB-G RAM G, they are weakening, not strengthening, the Congress,” Chouhan said. “The Congress has abandoned its ideology; our focus is nation-first development. VB-G RAM G is designed for the development of villages.”
He highlighted the government’s investment under MGNREGA reforms, noting, “We spent around Rs 9 lakh crore compared to Rs 2 lakh crore during the UPA regime.”
Chouhan dismissed claims that the Right to Work was being diluted, saying, “Instead of 100 days, we are now providing 125 days of work. Additionally, unemployment allowances will be disbursed within 15 days. The scheme is strengthened on the ground, not just on paper.”
Clarifying the reach of VB-G RAM G, he added, “The scheme will be implemented in all panchayats. There will not be an additional burden on states, as the Centre is already providing more funds. Any investment by states will go toward strengthening village infrastructure.”
The minister said VB-G RAM G is expected to roll out within six months, and until then, MGNREGA will continue to operate.