The Haryana government has officially notified the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G scheme, for all rural areas of the state. The scheme, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), was notified on June 30 and has come into immediate operation.
Key Provisions of the VB-G RAM G Scheme
Under the new scheme, the state government guarantees at least 125 days of unskilled manual work per financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer for employment. This is a reduction from the 150 days promised under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Wages will be disbursed weekly, or at most fortnightly, after the work is completed.
The scheme also includes provisions for unemployment allowance: if an applicant is not provided work within 15 days of application (or from the date sought in advance applications), they are entitled to a daily unemployment allowance as per the Act's rules. Additionally, the state government can recommend special operational relaxations to the central government during natural calamities or extraordinary circumstances to ensure timely response and support to affected households.
Financial Burden Shift and Opposition
The main opposition Congress party has previously led protests against the Act, highlighting that the state now bears 40% of the financial burden, compared to only 10% under MGNREGA. Under the old scheme, the central government covered 100% of labor wages and 75% of material wages, resulting in a 90:10 cost share between the Centre and state. Even BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand have objected to the additional financial burden imposed by the new scheme. Five states have also sought a wage revision.
Controversial Blackout Period
Another controversial feature of VB-G RAM G is the blackout period, which pauses the program during peak agricultural seasons. This move is intended to facilitate the availability of cheap labor for farming, but Congress-ruled states have sought reconsideration, arguing it undermines rural employment guarantees.
Every person who performs work under the scheme will receive wages at the rate notified by the central government under section 10 of the VB-G RAM G Act. The notification emphasizes that the state government will ensure timely wage payments and compliance with the Act's provisions.
