The Telangana Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on Friday urging the Central government to retain the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in its entirety, rejecting the newly enacted Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission — Gramin (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, which replaces it. The Congress-led government described the new legislation as harmful to the rights of rural poor wage workers and contrary to the original demand-driven objectives of the employment guarantee scheme.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, while introducing the resolution, criticized the VB-G RAM G Act for ending the system of preparing work plans based on actual demand, diluting Gandhian principles by removing Mahatma Gandhi's name, and imposing conditions that could reduce workdays. He highlighted its potential disadvantage to women workers, who comprise 61.2% of beneficiaries in Telangana, and opposed the shifted funding ratio of 60:40 between Centre and states, arguing it violates federal principles.

Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) condemned the Centre for failing to consult states and alleged that promises of extended workdays under the new Act are impractical. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka warned that the shift from a "right to work" to conditional permissions could increase bonded labour and reduce women's participation, ultimately benefiting corporates with cheaper labour.

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BJP floor leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy defended the VB-G RAM G Act, stating it aims to improve upon MGNREGA by focusing on durable village assets and development. He dismissed concerns over financial burdens on states and questioned opposition to creating productive infrastructure through the scheme.

CPI MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao accused the Central government of favouring corporates over the poor, drawing parallels to withdrawn farm laws. The resolution emphasized continuing MGNREGA to protect vulnerable sections, including SCs, STs, and backward classes who form over 90% of beneficiaries in the state. Separately, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy is scheduled to present on Krishna river water disputes in the Assembly.

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