Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, questioned the Congress-led Karnataka government’s authority to protest against the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Act. Joshi highlighted instances of misappropriation in the scheme, emphasizing the need for transparency and change. He criticized Rahul Gandhi and Siddaramaiah, questioning their commitment to addressing the scheme’s issues.
Joshi accused the Congress of opposing the VB-G RAM G scheme to perpetuate corruption and avoid transparency. He defended the scheme’s integration with the Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti initiative, aiming for infrastructure development and project approval worth Rs 85 lakh crore. Joshi emphasized that village panchayats would retain decision-making powers under the scheme, refuting claims of central control.
The Union Minister underscored the scheme’s focus on employment generation and infrastructure development, increasing guaranteed workdays to 125. He cited the State Bank of India’s estimates of up to Rs 17,000 crore for employment and infrastructure development. Joshi compared the scheme’s workdays favorably to the MGNREGA implemented during the UPA government’s rule.
Joshi highlighted social audit complaints, including non-payment of wages and misappropriation of funds, urging for mobile tracking and GPS-based monitoring. He reiterated instances of fund misuse under previous administrations, calling for transparency and accountability. The presence of key party members during his statements was noted.
