Rural Employment Reimagined: The VB-G RAM G Act Debate

Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accuses Congress leaders of spreading misinformation about the VB-G RAM G Act. He argues the Act strengthens the right to work by promising more workdays and an unemployment allowance, countering Congress's 45-day campaign demanding the restoration of the MGNREGA.

In a press conference on Monday, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi of spreading false information about the VB-G RAM G Act, asserting that it enhances the right to work more effectively than its predecessor, MGNREGA.

Chouhan rebuffed claims made by the Congress, which has launched a 45-day nationwide campaign against the repeal of MGNREGA, stating the new law is designed to benefit all panchayats. He emphasized that under the new Act, more workdays and unemployment benefits would be provided, reinforcing the employment guarantee in rural areas.

The debate over the funding ratio and the demand-driven focus of the new policy continues, with opposition parties and activists expressing concerns about potential centralization and financial burdens on states. Chouhan reassured that no additional financial strain would occur as the Centre allocates substantial resources to village infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies.)