Ludhiana DISHA Committee Unanimously Opposes VB-G RAM G Act
The District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) in Ludhiana took a firm stand on Friday. Members passed a unanimous resolution against the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act. They labeled the proposed VB-G RAM G Act as anti-poor and harmful to rural livelihoods. The committee demanded its immediate withdrawal.
Meeting Led by Ludhiana MP Raja Warring
Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring led the DISHA meeting. The committee expressed serious concerns about replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). A key issue is the proposed shift from 100% central funding of wages to a 60:40 Centre-State cost-sharing formula. Members stated that Punjab's weak fiscal position makes this model unviable.
Punjab's Financial Stress Highlighted
The resolution highlighted Punjab's financial stress in detail. It noted that the state's public debt is projected to reach Rs 4.17 lakh crore by March 2026. This amount equals over 46% of Punjab's Gross State Domestic Product. Such high debt leaves little fiscal space to absorb additional welfare liabilities.
The committee cautioned that provisions under the new scheme could cause problems. These include Aadhaar-linked payments and seasonal pauses in employment. Such measures might lead to exclusion of vulnerable households. They could also trigger distress migration and erosion of rural consumption.
Special Concern for Ludhiana District
Special concern was expressed for Ludhiana district. Data shows only one percent of households receiving work under MGNREGA completed the full 100 days of employment. This low completion rate underscores the challenges in rural job schemes.
Warring Criticizes AAP Government and Seeks Probe
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Raja Warring criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab. He said the AAP government failed in implementing MGNREGA effectively.
Warring also sought a probe into spending on cleaning the Buddha Nullah. He claimed crores have been spent with no visible change on the ground. Warring alleged a huge scam and promised to demand an inquiry. He said he would raise the issue in Parliament and Smart City project meetings.
Warring Takes Dig at Former Finance Minister
Warring took a sharp dig at Punjab's former finance minister, BJP leader Manpreet Singh Badal. He noted that Manpreet Badal remained in power for 14 years, serving as finance minister for eight of those years. Warring blamed him for bringing financial catastrophe to Punjab, leading to huge debts today.
Warring contrasted himself with Manpreet Badal, saying he might be less educated but did not take government furniture. This refers to a controversy where Manpreet Badal was accused of taking a dining table and other items from his official bungalow in April 2022. Manpreet Badal had recently mocked Warring for a mathematical error in a viral video.
The DISHA committee's resolution reflects growing local opposition to central welfare changes. It emphasizes the need for schemes that consider state-specific fiscal realities.
