Mallikarjun Kharge Criticises VB-G RAM G Act Over Financial Burden On States, Farmers

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday criticised the Centre over the implementation of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, alleging that the new scheme could impose an additional financial burden on states and adversely affect rural workers and farmers. Ahead of the rollout of the legislation on July 1, Kharge questioned the government's decision to introduce the new framework while, according to him, significant dues under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remain unpaid.

In a post on X addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kharge linked the issue to the prevailing agricultural situation, citing concerns over deficient rainfall and its impact on the rural economy. He claimed that June recorded 42 per cent lower rainfall, resulting in a 22.7 per cent decline in kharif sowing, and warned that more than 300 districts could face drought-like conditions. "In this situation, isn't ending MGNREGA an attack on workers, SCs, STs, OBCs, and the poor?" Kharge said, expressing concern over the future of rural employment support.

The Congress chief also referred to a reply provided by the Union government in the Lok Sabha, stating that pending dues under MGNREGA amounted to ₹17,144.13 crore as of March this year across 34 states and Union Territories. According to Kharge, this includes ₹7,846.25 crore in unpaid wage liabilities. He questioned why workers had not received what he described as their "rightful payment" despite the statutory nature of the employment guarantee programme and urged the Centre to clear the outstanding dues without further delay.

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Criticising the timing of the new scheme, Kharge alleged that the Centre was introducing the VB-G RAM G Act without first addressing the financial obligations under MGNREGA. "From July 1, you've imposed a new scheme (VB-G RAM G) on the states, but the central government still hasn't released the pending MGNREGA payments. Karnataka has ₹700 crore outstanding, Jharkhand ₹900 crore, and states like Telangana and Tamil Nadu haven't received their due funds," he said. He argued that launching a new programme while arrears remain unpaid would place additional pressure on state governments responsible for implementing rural welfare schemes.

Kharge further claimed that several state governments had expressed reservations about the structure and funding pattern of the VB-G RAM G Act. According to him, states have sought greater clarity on the proposed changes to the existing rural employment framework and the extent of financial support that would be provided by the Centre. He suggested that any restructuring of rural employment programmes should be undertaken only after adequate consultation with states and stakeholders, given the significant role such schemes play in supporting livelihoods in rural India.

The Centre has maintained that the new mission is aimed at strengthening rural employment and livelihood opportunities, although political debate over its implementation has intensified. The Congress has accused the government of weakening MGNREGA through delayed payments and policy changes, while the ruling dispensation has consistently defended its rural development initiatives as measures designed to improve efficiency and long-term economic outcomes. As the VB-G RAM G Act comes into effect, its implementation and financial implications are expected to remain key points of contention between the Centre and opposition parties, particularly in states that have raised concerns over funding and pending MGNREGA dues.

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