THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, January 11: The BJP is moving fast to defend its Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar Aajeevika Mission Gramin (VB G RAM G) amid strong criticism from the Congress.
Palamu MP Vishnu Dayal Ram has been put forward to counter concerns surrounding G RAM G, particularly its impact on unskilled labour.
Name Change and Claimed Benefits
The BJP’s defence rests on two key points — the change in the scheme’s nomenclature and the claimed advantages of the new G RAM G, which the party says is an Act.
While the BJP projects G RAM G as a more advanced, labour-friendly version of MGNREGA, opposition parties have termed it a direct and damaging replacement of the existing scheme.
No Insult to Gandhi, Says MP
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, MP Vishnu Dayal Ram asserted that renaming the scheme neither insults Mahatma Gandhi nor curtails labourers’ right to employment.
He was joined by BJP district president Amit Tiwary and representatives of NDA allies including AJSU, JD(U), LOJPA and HUM.
Allies Stay Silent
Notably, NDA allies remained silent throughout the press meet. Even Amit Tiwary refrained from commenting on G RAM G, limiting himself to expressing support for the MP’s position.
Mediapersons questioned whether G RAM G could effectively replace MGNREGA, warning that unskilled labourers may be left wandering for work.
Asked how G RAM G is demand-driven, the MP termed it a “most valid question” but claimed that demand-based provisions under MGNREGA had led to “enormous corruption”.
Another question highlighted the shrinking role of the gram sabha and labour participation under G RAM G. The MP, however, rejected the view that the new scheme leaves little space for labourers’ voices.
Funding Pattern Raises Doubts
Concerns were also raised over the 60:40 funding formula, with 60 percent central and 40 percent state contribution. Media representatives pointed out that political differences and Jharkhand’s weak finances could affect implementation.
Centre Spent ₹8.53 Lakh Crore: MP
Dismissing these concerns, Vishnu Dayal Ram said the Modi government has spent ₹8.53 lakh crore on MGNREGA out of a total ₹11.74 lakh crore since 2006.
However, when reminded that Jharkhand faced wage pendency even with 90 percent central funding earlier, the MP attributed delays to “rampant corruption” in MGNREGA and said he would check pending wage figures.
