Karnataka to implement VB-G RAM G from July 1 even as it explores legal options

Continuing its opposition to the implementation of Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) in place of National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREGA), the State government has decided to implement VB-G RAM-G from July 1 even as it explores legal options.

For welfare of people

“The VB-G RAM G is being implemented considering the welfare of rural people, women and the downtrodden despite it creating burden on the State exchequer. While the State government funded a total of ₹4,821 crore, when ₹56,492 crore was spent on NREGA creating 182 crore man-days between 2006 and 2026, this year alone the State is expected to spend ₹3,806 crore of the total ₹5,709 crore proposed to be spent,” Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre told presspersons, adding that this will be questioned in the Supreme Court.

Urging the Centre to increase the wages, which is currently ₹375 per day, the Minister said that it had become imperative since minimum wages had been revised in the State. “Issues pertaining to the new scheme will be raised on June 28 during a meting with the Union Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister,” he said.

Changes in e-Swathu rules

Mr. Khandre said that officials have been asked to work on bringing changes to rules pertaining to providing e-Swathu to houses in gram thana jurisdiction that do not have documents. This will be an one-time effort that will involve inviting objection from public, he said, adding that of about 1.5 crores properties in 5,928 villages, e-Swathu has been given to 53.53 lakh properties. He also said that PDOs deliberately delaying issue of e-Swathu beyond 15 days will be given notices.

826 villages face water shortage

As many as 826 villages in Karnataka are facing water shortage owing to deficit rainfall. He said that so far the rain deficit is about 42% of the normal, and the groundwater level has also declined. Last year, 1,000 villages faced drinking water problem where borewells were sunk to address the problem, he added.