Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched a strong attack on the Congress party and its MLAs during a state-level function in Panchkula on Sunday. He described the newly introduced Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, as a powerful foundation for improving the living standards of hardworking labourers across the state.
Direct Interaction with Beneficiaries
Saini interacted directly with beneficiaries from various parts of Haryana at the event. He emphasized that the scheme represents Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal guarantee to every worker in the country. According to the Chief Minister, VB-G RAM G ensures the right to work with dignity, timely payment of wages, social respect, and a secure livelihood for all participants.
Scathing Criticism of Congress
The Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on the opposition Congress party and its allies. He accused the Congress of becoming devoid of real issues and resorting to misleading tactics to create confusion about the G RAM G scheme. Saini alleged that Congress leaders had turned the previous MGNREGA scheme into a means of livelihood for themselves rather than for the intended labourers.
He pointed out that during the Congress tenure, the name of the employment scheme changed repeatedly, but corruption continued unabated. Saini claimed that flawed policies of the Congress led to the party's rejection by the people of both the country and the state. He urged citizens not to be misled by Congress propaganda, stating that the party has consistently played with the interests of the poor and backward classes.
Targeting AAP Government in Punjab
Saini further criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in neighbouring Punjab. He alleged that the Punjab government is opposing the G RAM G scheme solely for political considerations. The Chief Minister referenced proven instances of corruption in wage payments to labourers under MGNREGA in Punjab as evidence of mismanagement.
Path to Developed India Through Villages
The Haryana Chief Minister emphasized that the path to a developed India passes through its villages. He clarified that VB-G RAM G is not merely an employment programme, but a comprehensive initiative aimed at uplifting the lives of hardworking people. The scheme focuses on ensuring dignity of labour and protecting the self-respect of workers across rural India.
Modernizing Rural Employment System
Saini explained that Prime Minister Modi presented the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 to the nation after considering the shortcomings of MGNREGA. He stressed that this represents not just a renaming of the old scheme, but a complete modernisation of the rural employment system.
Under the new law, the statutory guarantee of employment has increased from 100 days to 125 days. Additionally, the legislation empowers states to suspend work for up to 60 days during critical sowing and harvesting seasons. This provision ensures that workers will receive employment for these 60 days separately, in addition to the 125 days guaranteed under the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G scheme.
Significant Income Increase for Workers
As a result of these changes, the annual income of an average rural unskilled worker across the country is expected to increase by more than Rs 7,000. In Haryana specifically, each worker will receive an additional benefit of at least Rs 10,000. With Haryana offering the highest minimum wage in the country at Rs 400 per day, the annual income of every worker can now increase to a minimum of Rs 50,000.
Addressing MGNREGA Shortcomings
Saini acknowledged that circumstances were very different when MGNREGA was first launched. However, he noted that over time, several shortcomings crept into the scheme, directly impacting workers. The Chief Minister listed multiple problems that emerged under the previous system:
- Machines replaced manual labour in some areas
- Payments were made using fake names in certain locations
- Wages were frequently delayed for months
- Corruption and fake job cards became prevalent
- Contractors dominated the system in several parts of the country
- Workers' rights were regularly violated under the guise of MGNREGA
Saini pointed out that from CAG reports to social audits, it was repeatedly revealed that while genuine workers continued to toil, others misappropriated the benefits meant for them.
Transparent and Worker-Centric Policies
In contrast to the previous system, Saini emphasized that Prime Minister Modi is continuously working to improve the living standards of labourers, the poor, and weaker sections of society through transparent and worker-centric policies. The new VB-G RAM G scheme represents this commitment to creating a more equitable and efficient rural employment system that truly benefits those it intends to serve.
