Jharkhand Assembly Passes Resolution Against Modi Government's VB-G-Ram-G Act
In a significant political development, the Jharkhand Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution opposing the newly enacted Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rojgar and Aajivika Mission Act, 2025, commonly known as the VB-G-Ram-G Act. This resolution, which will now be forwarded to the Centre, marks a direct challenge to the Narendra Modi government's move to repeal the UPA-era Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Resolution Moved by State Rural Development Minister
State Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh introduced the resolution on the concluding day of the budget session. She argued that the Centre's decision to end MGNREGA was inappropriate and not in the best interests of Jharkhand or its people. Following her presentation, Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto initiated a voting process, and the resolution was passed by a majority voice vote.
Concerns Over Rural Employment and Financial Burden
In her address to the House, Minister Singh highlighted the critical role MGNREGA has played since its inception in 2005. She stated, "This scheme has played a historic role in reducing poverty, preventing migration, and empowering women. However, the VB-G-Ram-G Act raises concerns about the violation of rights of the rural poor through many of its provisions. The proposed act also eliminates the guarantee of demanding work."
Singh emphasized the financial implications for Jharkhand, noting that under MGNREGA, the central government bears the entire cost of unskilled labor wages. In contrast, the new act requires states to contribute 40% of the total funding, which she warned would impose an additional financial burden on a poor state like Jharkhand.
Key Differences Between MGNREGA and VB-G-Ram-G Act
Minister Singh outlined several key differences between the two acts:
- Work Flexibility: Under MGNREGA, Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas had the freedom to choose from 266 types of works, a provision that is largely absent in the new act.
- Employment Guarantee: MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of employment, which Singh proposed should be increased to 150 days to further prevent migration.
- Funding Structure: MGNREGA is a fully centrally-sponsored scheme, whereas VB-G-Ram-G introduces a cost-sharing model with states.
She concluded by urging the Centre to maintain the demand and rights-based framework of MGNREGA to protect the interests of lakhs of job card holder families in Jharkhand.
