Archive · 29 Dec 2025
AAP and Congress Oppose VB-G RAM G
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab and the Congress party are very upset about a new government plan called VB-G RAM G. They think it's a bad idea to replace the old plan, MGNREGA, with this new one.
The old plan gave people 100 days of work, but the new plan promises 125 days, even though people usually only get 45 days of work.
Punjab says they will lose a lot of money, about Rs 650 crore every year, because of this new plan.
The Congress party also thinks the new plan takes away rights from workers and gram panchayats.
They are even having a special meeting to officially say they don't like this new plan.
The BJP, however, supports the new scheme, saying it will make villages better and provide more employment days.
They also deny allegations of centralizing power and claim the new scheme empowers local communities.
AAP in Punjab and Congress oppose the replacement of MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G, citing financial losses and reduced worker rights.
Punjab claims it will lose Rs 650 crore annually under the new scheme, with BJP-ruled states also expected to suffer financial losses exceeding Rs 2,000 crore.
Congress alleges that the BJP is centralizing democratic processes and undermining state rights with the new scheme.
BJP supports the new scheme, claiming it will strengthen rural areas and provide more employment days, denying allegations of centralization.
Congress to launch a nationwide campaign 'MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan' from January 5 to save the old scheme and make workers aware of the changes.
- Who
- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, Congress' Jharkhand unit in-charge K Raju, BJP state working president Aditya Sahu
- What
- Opposition to the replacement of MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G, allegations of centralization of power, and support for the new scheme by BJP
- When
- December 30 (special session of Vidhan Sabha in Punjab), January 5 (start of MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan)
- Where
- Punjab, Jharkhand, India
- Why
- Belief that the new scheme threatens the federal structure, harms worker rights, and centralizes democratic processes
Opposition (AAP and Congress)
BJP
Scheme Replacement
Opposition (AAP and Congress)
Oppose the replacement of MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G, citing financial losses and reduced work availability.
BJP
Support the new scheme, claiming it will strengthen rural areas and provide more employment days.
Centralization of Power
Opposition (AAP and Congress)
Allege that the BJP is centralizing democratic processes and undermining state rights.
BJP
Deny centralization allegations, asserting the new scheme empowers local communities.
Worker Rights
Opposition (AAP and Congress)
Claim that VB-G RAM G snatches away rights of workers and gram panchayats.
BJP
Assert that the new scheme aims to make villages developed, beautiful, and self-reliant.
- Scheme
- Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G)
- Current Scheme
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
- Punjab's Annual Loss
- Rs 650 crore
- BJP-Ruled States' Loss
- Over Rs 2,000 crore
- MGNREGA Guarantee
- 100 days of employment
- VB-G RAM G Guarantee
- 125 days of employment
- National Average Work Days
- 45 days
- Funding Under MGNREGA
- 100% wages and 75% material costs by central government
- Funding Under VB-G RAM G
- 60:40 basis for both wages and material costs
- Congress Campaign
- MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan (Save MGNREGA Campaign)
- PESA Rules
- Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas)
Sources
AAP launches offensive against VB G RAM G
‘Meaningless,’ ‘theatre of mockery,’ ‘propaganda exercise’: Opp slam AAP govt’s one-day special sessions
Democracy Being Centralised Under BJP Rule, Alleges Congress’s K Raju
MGNREGA must be brought back in its original rights-based form
VB G RAM G Act likely to make states net gainers of Rs 17000 cr despite 60:40 funding shift: SBI Report
VB G RAM G Act likely to make States net gainers of ₹1,7000 cr despite 60:40 funding shift: SBI Report
