Jharkhand assembly passes resolution against VB-G-Ram-G; Demands protection for MGNREGA's benefits for rural workers

Ranchi: Jharkhand assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution against the newly enacted VB-G-Ram-G by Narendra Modi govt last year to repeal the UPA-era MGNREGA Act, which will now be sent to the Centre.State rural development minister Deepika Pandey Singh moved the resolution on the concluding day of the budget session stating that the Centre’s move to end MGNREGA was inappropriate and isn’t the interest of the state or its people. Later, assembly speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto initiated the voting process which was passed by majority voice vote.Addressing the House after introducing the proposal, Singh said that the Act, which was brought in 2005 during the UPA regime, served as a lifeline for scores of workers in Jharkhand and elsewhere in the country.

“This scheme has played a historic role in reducing poverty, preventing migration, and empowering women. However, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rojgar and Aajivika Mission Act, 2025 — VB Gram G — raises concerns about the violation of rights of rural poor through many its provisions. The proposed act also eliminates the guarantee of demanding work,” she said.She also cited the immense financial burden on a poor state like Jharkhand.

Singh said, “Currently, under MGNREGA, the entire cost of unskilled labor wages is borne by the central govt. In the new act, making state has to bear 40% of the total funding, which will put an additional financial burden on a state,” she said.She added, “Under MGNREGA, Gram Panchayats, Gram Sabhas had the freedom to choose 266 types of works, many of such provisions don’t exist in the new Act. Hence, the demand and rights based scheme, which is fully centrally-sponsored should be maintained to protect the interests of lakhs of job card holder families in Jharkhand. Additionally, the guarantee of 100 days of employment under MGNREGA should be also increased to 150 days so that migration can further be prevented.

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