Shivraj Singh Chouhan Criticizes Congress Over VB-G-RAM-G Scheme Misinformation
Minister accuses opposition of misinformation on new scheme.
Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan strongly criticized the Congress party for disseminating misinformation regarding the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G-RAM-G) scheme, asserting that the updated program incorporates enhanced features designed to better serve impoverished communities. He attributed widespread corruption under the previous Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to the opposition's governance and suggested that their resistance stems from political motivations.
Addressing the media, Chouhan highlighted the Congress's planned campaign against VB-G-RAM-G, set to commence on January 10, and questioned the absence of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during parliamentary debates on the matter. He characterized the opposition's 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' initiative as an effort to safeguard corrupt practices, claiming that MGNREGA had become emblematic of irregularities during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era.
Chouhan cited extensive social audits conducted by gram sabhas, which revealed over 10,51,000 complaints, including duplicated works, unauthorized use of machinery, and fund diversions through fictitious projects such as canal and road cleaning. He noted that approximately 30 percent of registered workers were over 60 years old, raising questions about the scheme's implementation and beneficiary verification processes.
Also Read: Congress To Launch Nationwide MGNREGA Bachao Campaign from January 8
The minister emphasized the Modi government's increased financial commitment to rural employment, stating that allocations have exceeded ₹8,48,000 crore compared to just over ₹2 lakh crore during the UPA tenure. For the upcoming financial year, he announced a budget of ₹1,51,282 crore for VB-G-RAM-G, with more than ₹95,600 crore contributed by the central government, ensuring no funding shortages for guaranteeing 125 days of employment.
The VB-G-RAM-G Act, which replaces MGNREGA, was enacted following presidential assent on December 21, 2025, after passage in both houses of Parliament amid opposition protests. Chouhan reiterated that the new framework prioritizes worker protections and transparency, countering the opposition's allegations while underscoring the government's focus on eradicating corruption in rural development programs.
Also Read: Telangana Assembly Urges Centre to Retain MGNREGA, Rejects New Rural Jobs Act
