Implementation of VB-G RAM G begins in West Bengal
West Bengal has launched the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), a 125-day job guarantee scheme, allocating ₹14,000 crore for employment in the 2026-27 budget. This follows a four-year hiatus since the central government halted funding for the previous MGNREGA scheme in 2022 due to alleged financial mismanagement by the then-Trinamool Congress government. The new scheme shares costs between the center and state at a 60:40 ratio, with ₹8,508 crore already allocated by the center and ₹5,672 crore by the state. However, the Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS), representing agricultural laborers, argues the funding is insufficient to meet the legal requirement of 125 days of work per job card, estimating a need of ₹29,752 crore. The union also highlights concerns about statutory obligations such as unemployment allowances and delayed compensation, urging the state to allocate specific funds for these. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikani announced the initial disbursement of the Annapurna Yojana, a financial aid program for women.
On July 1, India's Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) will officially replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), marking a significant shift in rural employment policy. The transition comes after the Union Rural Development Ministry issued draft rules for the new scheme on May 22, allowing stakeholders a month to provide feedback before finalizing the regulations. This change aims to transform the existing demand-driven approach of MGNREGA into a supply-driven model, where the Union government determines allocations based on objective parameters rather than direct requests from local communities.
Under the new framework, the number of guaranteed workdays is increased from 100 to 125, offering more opportunities for rural laborers. However, this expansion is accompanied by a substantial increase in the financial burden on states. Previously, under MGNREGA, the central government covered 100% of the labor wages and 75% of the material costs, resulting in a 90:10 cost-sharing ratio between the center and states. Now, the states are required to shoulder 40% of the total expenditure, a sharp contrast to the previous arrangement where they paid only a small fraction of the overall budget.
This shift has drawn criticism from multiple states, particularly Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. These states, some governed by the BJP, have expressed concerns about the increased financial responsibility placed upon them. They argue that the new model undermines the fiscal stability of states already grappling with economic challenges. Additionally, several states have requested a revision of wage rates, citing the need for compensation that aligns with market conditions. For instance, Bihar seeks an increase in wages from ₹255 to ₹413, while Jammu and Kashmir aims for a raise from ₹272 to ₹311.
Another contentious aspect of the VB-G RAM G is the introduction of a blackout period, during which the program will pause to accommodate the peak agricultural season. This provision has been met with resistance from states like Punjab, Karnataka, and Telangana, which are governed by Congress. These states argue that the blackout period could disrupt the livelihoods of rural workers and affect the continuity of employment guarantees. Furthermore, nearly all states have highlighted issues related to delayed wage and material payments, urging the central government to ensure timely disbursements under the new scheme.
Critics, including academics and activists associated with groups like NREGA Sangarsh Morcha, have voiced concerns about the potential for centralized control under the new scheme. They argue that the VB-G RAM G grants disproportionate power to the central government, potentially diminishing the autonomy of states in managing rural employment programs. The allocation of funds according to the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission adds another layer of complexity, as it introduces performance-based criteria that might influence how resources are distributed among states.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has been vocal in his criticism of the new policy, accusing the Modi government of acting in a "vengeful and petty" manner by repealing MGNREGA without adequate consultation. He emphasized that the new law threatens to exacerbate financial strain on states and weaken the bargaining power of rural labor. His comments reflect broader concerns within the opposition about the implications of the new scheme on state finances and the rights of rural workers.
As the VB-G RAM G prepares to take effect, the focus remains on addressing the concerns raised by states and ensuring that the transition is smooth and equitable. The coming months will likely see continued discussions and negotiations between the central government and state authorities to refine the implementation strategy and mitigate potential challenges. The success of the new scheme will depend largely on how effectively these concerns are addressed and whether the proposed changes can balance the needs of rural workers with the financial constraints of states.
3 reports
The HinduIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 884 days ago
The Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand have expressed opposition to the proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G), a new employment scheme set to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) starting July 1. The new scheme shifts the financial responsibility from the central government to the states, requiring them to cover 40% of the total expenditure compared to the previous 10% under MGNREGA. This change has led to concerns among state governments regarding increased financial burdens, with some requesting revisions to wage rates and objections to provisions allowing for a 'blackout period' during peak agricultural seasons. Several states have also highlighted issues with delayed wage payments and requested timely clearance of outstanding dues.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the positions of multiple states and explains the changes in the financial model of the new employment scheme without overtly favoring any side. It provides context on the differences between the old and new schemes and includes objections raised by various states without taking
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 88): Provides clear explanation of the policy shift and differences from MGNREGA, supported by comparative data. Presents information objectively without taking sides.
The HinduIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 852 days ago
West Bengal has launched the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), a 125-day job guarantee scheme, allocating ₹14,000 crore for employment in the 2026-27 budget. This follows a four-year hiatus since the central government halted funding for the previous MGNREGA scheme in 2022 due to alleged financial mismanagement by the then-Trinamool Congress government. The new scheme shares costs between the center and state at a 60:40 ratio, with ₹8,508 crore already allocated by the center and ₹5,672 crore by the state. However, the Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS), representing agricultural laborers, argues the funding is insufficient to meet the legal requirement of 125 days of work per job card, estimating a need of ₹29,752 crore. The union also highlights concerns about statutory obligations such as unemployment allowances and delayed compensation, urging the state to allocate specific funds for these. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikani announced the initial disbursement of the Annapurna Yojana, a financial aid program for women.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the government's announcement of the VB-G RAM G scheme and the oppositional viewpoint from the PBKMS regarding funding adequacy. It includes quotes from both the government and the labor union, providing a balanced view without overtly favoring either side. There is no明显的倾向
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): Accurately reports implementation details and financial aspects of VB-G RAM G in West Bengal. Maintains neutrality in presenting facts without overt political bias.
Hindustan TimesIndependentLeftFactual 85Objective 705 days ago
The article discusses criticism from Congress MP Jairam Ramesh against the Modi government's new VB G RAM G Act, which replaces the MGNREGA. Ramesh accuses the government of being 'vengeful and petty' for repealing MGNREGA without proper consultation and implementing the new law without addressing state concerns. He highlights opposition from several states, including BJP-governed states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand, who fear increased financial burdens and issues with the scheme's timing during peak agriculture seasons. States have also requested higher wages for rural workers. The new act aims to provide 125 days of statutory wage employment but faces criticism for centralization and weakening rural labor bargaining power.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the Modi government's actions negatively, using terms like 'vengeful and petty' and highlighting opposition from states and critics. It emphasizes the centralized nature of the new law and criticizes the lack of consultation, aligning with left-leaning critiques of centralization.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Factual claims align with cross-source consensus on the opposition from states and criticism of centralization. However, the article uses emotionally charged terms like 'vengeful and petty' which may bias the narrative.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
India
