Government Prepares to Counter Congress Protests Over New Employment Scheme
Countering Opposition Protests
In response to the Congress party's plans to initiate protests against the newly implemented VB-G Ramji scheme, which replaces the MGNREGA program, the Ministry of Rural Development has circulated a comprehensive report to all central ministers. This report will serve as a reference for ministers to address opposition claims during public gatherings. According to reports, during a cabinet meeting, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan briefed ministers on the key features of the VB-G Ramji scheme and how it improves upon the previous rural employment guarantee initiative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also urged ministers to be fully informed about the provisions of the new scheme.
Key Features of the New Scheme
Ministers will highlight the increase in guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days under the new scheme. Additionally, there will be a shift in focus from merely salary expenditures to the creation of sustainable assets. They will also explain how this initiative aims to generate stronger local livelihood opportunities, thereby helping to reduce distress migration. To counter opposition allegations, ministers have been informed that under standard financing, the central government allocates funds to states based on predetermined criteria, ensuring forecasting, fiscal discipline, and improved budget planning. In contrast, demand-based models often lead to unpredictable allocations and fiscal imbalances.
Allegations Against Congress
Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused the Congress party of spreading misinformation regarding rural employment, the powers of village councils, and worker protections under the VB-G RAM Act, labeling their claims as baseless and misleading. On the same day that Congress announced a nationwide campaign against the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Chouhan asserted that the main opposition party's protests are politically motivated and claimed that the government has not undermined demand-based employment.
Clarifying Misconceptions
According to a statement from the Ministry of Rural Development, Chouhan emphasized that the confusion and misinformation propagated by Congress and the opposition regarding rural employment, the powers of gram panchayats, and worker safety are entirely unfounded and misleading.