Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan cautioned that any State Assembly going against the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act would be violating the country’s federal structure. Chouhan’s statement came in response to the Punjab Assembly’s plan to discuss the impact of changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The minister emphasized that the VB G RAM G Act underwent thorough parliamentary debate before its passage, and he addressed all queries from the Opposition. Chouhan criticized the Punjab Assembly’s intention to pass a resolution against the Act, labeling it as unconstitutional and setting a risky precedent.
Speaking at a press conference in Bhopal, Chouhan stressed the importance of State Assemblies upholding the federal structure of India. He warned against undermining laws enacted by Parliament through State resolutions, highlighting the potential complications such actions could cause.
Chouhan accused the Opposition of misinforming the public regarding the alleged renaming of MGNREGA, pointing out that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, was spreading misinformation despite being absent during the Bill’s parliamentary discussions. Defending the VB G RAM G Act, Chouhan highlighted its focus on technology, transparency, and prompt wage payments to workers’ bank accounts.
The minister assured that the Act does not diminish the powers of Gram Sabhas and Panchayats but rather strengthens them, ensuring local-level implementation, monitoring, and social audits for transparency. He pledged increased support for the most underprivileged Panchayats, offering enhanced funding, assistance, and job opportunities.
Chouhan emphasized that the Act enhances employment opportunities by extending the guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125, maintaining provisions for unemployment benefits and compensation for delayed wage payments. He also guaranteed timely payment of monthly salaries to government employees under the VB G RAM G Act.
