Punjab CM Slams MGNREGA Changes As VB-G RAM G Sparks Political Storm

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly criticized the Centre’s decision to alter MGNREGA and described the VB-G RAM G scheme as a direct attack on the lives of the poor. He said the BJP government is not only removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name but is also destroying the soul of the scheme. Mann stated that the livelihood of the poor is being endangered and alleged that the move is driven by political motives rather than concern for public welfare.

Special Assembly Session Announced

The Chief Minister announced that a special session of the Punjab Assembly will be convened in the second week of January. He said the session will be used to strongly raise the voice of Punjabis against the Centre’s decision. The announcement followed a high-level meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party, which was also attended by Arvind Kejriwal. Mann made it clear that Punjab will not remain silent on this issue.

Jibe At Politics Of Renaming

During a press briefing, Mann took a sharp dig at the Centre’s policies. He said the BJP government seems busy renaming railway stations and cities across the country. In a sarcastic remark, he said he fears that one day even the name of the country might be changed. Mann stressed that changing names does not bring real progress and that real change comes only through meaningful work.

Controversial Changes In New Law

The VB-G RAM G Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha after nearly 14 hours of debate. Under the new law, the employment guarantee has been increased from 100 to 125 days. However, opposition parties claim this is only a paper promise. Earlier, the Centre bore the entire cost of the scheme, but now it will fund only 60 percent, leaving the remaining 40 percent to be borne by the states.

Aam Aadmi Party Attacks Centre

AAP spokesperson Neel Garg called the bill a “well-planned deception.” He said the Modi government has misled the poor with slogans while weakening the employment guarantee. Garg alleged that the move reflects an anti-worker agenda and claimed that television debates are being used to divert public attention from the real issue.

Risks Under New Rules

Under the new bill, demand-based budgeting has been replaced with normative funding. This change allows the Centre to decide state budgets at its own discretion. A 60-day “no work period” has also been introduced. Employment will now be available only in areas notified by the Centre. Experts warn that these provisions could effectively end the legal guarantee of work.

Protests And Political Unity Across Punjab

Labour unions have begun protests in several districts of Punjab. Effigies of the Centre were burned in Bathinda, Moga, Muktsar, and Sangrur. Farmer and labour leaders described the move as an attack on the last safety net for the poor. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and several other chief ministers have also opposed the decision. Serious questions have now been raised about the future of MGNREGA.