Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has strongly defended the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G scheme. He says this initiative will significantly boost jobs and create lasting assets in villages. Sawant made these remarks during a recent statement addressing concerns about the program.
Scheme Aims to Strengthen Rural Economy
The Chief Minister explained that the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G scheme will renew and reinforce the employment guarantee framework. It focuses on building permanent assets in critical areas like water security and core rural infrastructure. Sawant emphasized that the scheme does not replace or dilute the existing MNREGA program. Instead, it seeks to improve planning, delivery, and accountability within the rural employment system.
"This scheme will expand opportunities for women and farmers across Goa," Sawant stated. He highlighted that the government expects the program to boost rural livelihoods by enhancing infrastructure and strengthening water management. The goal is to create long-term economic opportunities in villages throughout the state.
Opposition Criticism and Protests
Meanwhile, the Congress party has launched strong protests against the new law. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the government of running a "bulldozer" over the MNREGA scheme. He said MNREGA has become a lifeline for crores of people in India.
The Congress party has started a nationwide campaign called "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram." This protest began on January 10 and aims to reach 2.5 lakh gram panchayats across the country. Ramesh described it as a struggle for the restoration of constitutional rights to work, wages, and accountability.
CM Accuses Opposition of Misinformation
In response, Goa CM Pramod Sawant accused the Opposition of misleading the public. He said they are spreading confusion about the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G initiative. "The Opposition is spreading misinformation about this reform. It neither weakens nor replaces MNREGA," Sawant asserted firmly.
He called the scheme a visionary initiative introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Sawant noted that it aligns with the broader goal of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Chief Minister added that the state government is working closely with panchayats to ensure effective implementation at the grassroots level.
"Our focus is to ensure that every rural household benefits from the scheme," Sawant said. He stressed that the government is committed to transparent and accountable governance in rural development.
The Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Act, 2025, is a new Indian law that replaces MGNREGA. It extends guaranteed rural wage employment to 125 days per household. The law integrates infrastructure development and focuses on technology-driven governance for rural prosperity.
