The Congress party has strongly criticised the newly introduced VB G RAM G Act, raising concerns over its impact on rural employment, the role of state governments and the existing framework of employment guarantees. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described the legislation as a setback for workers' rights and urged the Union Government to repeal the law.
According to the Congress, the new Act represents a significant shift in the country's rural employment policy. The party argued that the legislation introduces a more centralised system while reducing the flexibility previously available to state governments in implementing employment programmes. Jairam Ramesh referred to the move as "Rozgar Adhikar Chori," claiming that it weakens the spirit of the constitutional commitment to providing employment opportunities for rural households.
The opposition also expressed concern about the financial implications of the new law. Congress leaders stated that the Act places a greater share of expenditure on state governments, which could create additional pressure on state finances. They argued that several states are already facing budgetary challenges and that the new funding structure could affect the effective implementation of rural employment programmes.
The party further claimed that the legislation may reduce the autonomy of states in planning and executing employment schemes according to local requirements. According to Congress leaders, rural development programmes are most effective when state governments have the flexibility to address region specific challenges and employment needs.
Congress also questioned whether the new framework would continue to provide the same level of employment security that rural workers have received under previous arrangements. The party maintained that employment guarantee programmes should remain focused on protecting vulnerable communities, improving rural livelihoods and creating durable public assets.
The Union Government has defended its rural development initiatives, stating that policy reforms are intended to improve efficiency, accountability and transparency in the implementation of employment programmes. Government representatives have maintained that changes in the legal framework are designed to strengthen rural development and ensure better utilisation of public resources.
The debate over the VB G RAM G Act has become another major political issue, with both the ruling government and the opposition presenting contrasting views on the future of rural employment policy. While the opposition has demanded the withdrawal of the legislation, the government continues to defend the reforms as measures aimed at improving governance and service delivery.
Political observers believe the issue is likely to remain a subject of discussion in Parliament and across several states in the coming weeks. As the debate continues, stakeholders are expected to closely examine the implementation of the Act and its impact on rural employment, state finances and the welfare of workers. Official clarifications and future policy decisions are expected to shape the direction of India's rural employment programmes.