Minister Reddy Slams Telangana Congress Over Employment Scheme Misinformation

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy rebuked the Telangana Congress for disseminating false claims about the rural employment guarantee scheme's revamp, asserting its farmer benefits. Meanwhile, Congress leaders criticized the new scheme rules, warning they might undermine protections for low-income workers and add fiscal pressure on states.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has strongly criticized the Telangana Congress, accusing them of misleading the public with misinformation regarding the recent changes to the rural employment guarantee scheme known as the VB G RAM G Act. Reddy defended the scheme, highlighting its advantages for farmers and agricultural workers, notably the direct bank transfer of wages and increased funding.

Reddy urged the Telangana State Government to cooperate with the central authorities for maximizing the scheme's benefits. His remarks were made just hours after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the party's intent to oppose the scheme's alterations, arguing that the central government aims to cut funding to benefit corporations over impoverished communities.

Kharge reaffirmed that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), established to secure work rights for the poor, is under threat. The Congress has launched a campaign against the VB G RAM G Act, citing concerns over new rules that shift financial responsibility onto states and might dismantle essential assistance for the underprivileged. The revised act now promises 125 days of work per rural household, with varying fund-sharing patterns between the central government and individual states.

(With inputs from agencies.)