BJP Initiates Statewide Training for New Rural Employment Scheme
The Bharatiya Janata Party's Jharkhand unit has announced a comprehensive series of workshops across all districts. These sessions will focus on the recently introduced VB-G Ram G scheme. The training program is scheduled to commence on January 15 and continue for three days.
Educating Workers to Counter Opposition Campaigns
Party officials stated that the primary objective is to sensitize BJP workers about the details and benefits of the new central government job scheme. These trained workers will then create public awareness about the initiative. This move directly responds to the Congress party's ongoing statewide protests against the scheme, which officially launched this past Sunday.
On Monday, the BJP conducted an initial statewide workshop in Ranchi. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar attended this event and addressed participants.
Minister Khattar Explains the Rationale Behind the New Law
Speaking to reporters in Ranchi, Minister Khattar elaborated on the government's vision. "The VB-G Ram G scheme will transform rural employment into a tool for sustainable development," he asserted. "This initiative aligns perfectly with our national goal of achieving a Developed India by 2047."
Khattar criticized the previous MGNREGA framework, citing systemic flaws. "A weak administrative structure, prevalent corruption, and the absence of a development-focused approach gradually eroded MGNREGA's long-term effectiveness," he explained.
He specifically highlighted issues with the old demand-based work allocation system. "That model often forced officials to devise unnecessary projects. This led to significant wastage of government funds and labor," Khattar noted.
The minister outlined key improvements in the new legislation:
- Schemes will now require approval based on actual village needs, synchronized with the government's broader development vision.
- The annual employment guarantee has been increased from 100 days to 125 days per household.
- New provisions ensure an unemployment allowance if work cannot be provided.
Congress Mounts Fierce Criticism of the Changes
The Congress party has launched a strong counterattack against both the scheme and the BJP's publicity efforts. Party spokesperson Rakesh Sinha accused the BJP of political maneuvering.
"The BJP, clearly rattled by our nationwide movement against altering MGNREGA's name and core principles, has now deployed central ministers to mislead the public," Sinha stated.
He leveled serious allegations against the ruling party. "The BJP specializes in spreading falsehoods. They first deliberately weakened MGNREGA to justify introducing this new Act," he claimed.
Sinha also raised constitutional concerns. "Altering the funding ratio between the Centre and states to 60:40 without consulting state governments violates India's federal structure. This new law is a calculated conspiracy to ultimately dismantle MGNREGA," the Congress spokesperson concluded.
The political battle over rural employment policy is now intensifying in Jharkhand, with both major parties preparing for extended public engagement on the issue.
