Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Punjab's U-Turn on Rural Jobs Scheme Sparks Political Row
The AAP government in Punjab has faced criticism for changing its stance on a new rural jobs scheme called VB G-RAM-G.
Initially, they opposed it, but now they are trying to implement it.
This has caused a big argument with opposition parties like Congress and SAD, who say the government is being unfair to workers.
The workers, who were part of the old scheme called MGNREGA, have been on strike for months, demanding better pay and job security.
The government says it supports the workers but blames the central government for the problems.
The opposition parties say the AAP government is being hypocritical and is not really helping the workers.
The situation has become very political, with both sides accusing each other of not doing enough for the people.
The AAP government in Punjab has reversed its stance on the Centre's VB G-RAM-G scheme, leading to a political row.
Opposition parties accuse the AAP government of hypocrisy and mistreating MGNREGA workers.
MGNREGA workers have been on strike since June, demanding regularization and pending salaries.
The AAP government has sought regularization of employees and a uniform national policy from the Centre.
The controversy has escalated with terminations, arrests, and protests by MGNREGA workers.
- Who
- The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, led by Bhagwant Mann, and opposition parties including Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
- What
- A political controversy over the reversal of the AAP government's stance on the Centre's VB G-RAM-G scheme and the treatment of MGNREGA workers.
- When
- The controversy escalated in July 2024, following the transition from MGNREGA to VB G-RAM-G on July 1, 2024.
- Where
- Punjab, India.
- Why
- The AAP government's initial opposition to the VB G-RAM-G scheme and subsequent implementation, along with the termination of striking MGNREGA workers, has led to accusations of hypocrisy and political vendetta.
Opposition Parties
AAP Government
Scheme Implementation
Opposition Parties
Opposition parties accuse the AAP government of hypocrisy for initially opposing and now implementing the VB G-RAM-G scheme.
AAP Government
The AAP government claims it is standing with MGNREGA employees and has sought regularization and a uniform national policy from the Centre.
Employee Treatment
Opposition Parties
Opposition parties and unions allege that the government is acting against employees by withholding salaries and terminating workers.
AAP Government
The AAP government asserts that it is supporting the employees and their demands for regularization and job security.
- Scheme Name
- Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB G-RAM-G)
- Previous Scheme
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
- Number of Striking Workers
- 2,100
- State Government's Financial Burden
- 40% of wage costs under VB G-RAM-G
- Date of Scheme Transition
- July 1, 2024
- Date of Punjab Assembly Resolution Against VB G-RAM-G
- December 30, 2023
- Date of Gram Sabha Meetings
- July 19, 2024