Solan:11.01.26-Former BJP State President and Member of Parliament Suresh Kashyap said that the manner in which the Congress is spreading misinformation through the media and public platforms about the VB–G Ram Ji Developed India Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Guarantee Act, 2025, passed by the Central Government, exposes its anti-rural and anti-development mindset. Avoiding facts, the Congress is opposing this historic reform through false allegations.
Kashyap said that since Independence, several schemes have been launched from time to time to provide employment and livelihoods to the poor and workers—such as Food for Work, Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, NREGA and later MGNREGA. NREGA, launched in 2005 (renamed MGNREGA in 2009), initially delivered results, but over time serious shortcomings emerged, including fake muster rolls, fake job cards, delays in payments, contractorisation, and the absence of durable assets. As a result, the core objective of linking employment with development weakened.
Presenting data to expose the Congress, he said that during 2006–2014 (UPA period), 1,660 crore person-days were generated with an expenditure of ₹2.13 lakh crore, whereas during 2014–2025 (NDA period), 3,210 crore person-days were generated with spending exceeding ₹8.53 lakh crore. The number of completed works stood at 153 lakh under the UPA, compared to 862 lakh under the NDA. Creation of individual assets increased from 17.6% during the UPA to 62.95% during the NDA. Aadhaar seeding was limited under the UPA, while under the NDA it expanded significantly, and wages reached workers directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Special Benefits for Himachal
Kashyap said that the VB–G Ram Ji Act is extremely beneficial for Himalayan and special-category states like Himachal Pradesh. Where earlier the Centre’s contribution was 75%, the Act now ensures a 90:10 funding pattern. This will accelerate the creation of roads, water conservation structures, rural infrastructure, and durable assets in hilly regions.
He clarified that Congress claims about ending employment guarantees are completely false. In reality, the 100-day guarantee has been enhanced to 125 days, and it is a statutory guarantee. The scheme will remain demand-driven. If work or payment is not provided on time, provisions for unemployment allowance remain intact and time-bound.
Transparency and a Check on Corruption
The MP said that VB–G Ram Ji mandates geo-tagging, GPS mapping, digital tracking, and AI-based social audits, which will put a complete stop to fake muster rolls, duplication of works, and scams. Planning will be coordinated from the Gram Sabha to block, district, state, and national levels, ensuring durable and outcome-oriented works.
He added that administrative expenditure has been increased from 6% to 9% to enable effective use of skilling, training, technology, and digital systems—something that was not feasible earlier. States will determine a 60-day pause during peak agricultural seasons; this flexibility will not affect the 125 days of wages. Considering Himachal’s geographic diversity, this flexibility serves the state’s interests.
Congress’s Double Standards
Suresh Kashyap said that Congress is raising an outcry over the change of name, despite the fact that it itself renamed NREGA as MGNREGA. Mahatma Gandhi is the soul of the nation, and there is no question of disrespect. The real issue is not the name, but results, transparency, and development. VB–G Ram Ji addresses the shortcomings of MGNREGA and firmly links rural employment with development.
Concluding, he said that the Act is a milestone toward the goal of Developed India 2047. It will ensure durable infrastructure, improved connectivity, water conservation, and sustainable livelihoods in Himachal’s villages. Congress should rise above politics and support this historic step in the interest of Himachal Pradesh.