Telangana Assembly passes resolution opposing ‘VB-G RAM JI’ Act

Telangana Legislative Assembly on Friday passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Grameen Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act (VBG-RAMJI Act), which seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The resolution, introduced by Panchayat Raj Minister D. Anasuya (Seethakka), was supported by the ruling Congress and its allies, while BJP members voted against it.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy strongly criticised the new law, calling it “anti-poor” and contrary to the spirit of federalism. He argued that the proposed changes would weaken the rights of rural workers - especially women - and place a heavy financial burden on states.

Under MGNREGA, the Centre bears the full cost of wages, but the new law proposes a 60:40 funding ratio between the Centre and states. The Chief Minister said this would impose an additional annual burden of ₹1,000-₹1,500 crore on Telangana. He demanded that the existing funding pattern be continued.

Revanth Reddy also objected to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme, saying it undermines the philosophy behind a law that made employment a legal right. He pointed out that suspending work for 60 days during the agricultural season would severely affect landless labourers who depend on year-round employment.

Highlighting the scheme’s importance, the Chief Minister recalled that MGNREGA was first implemented in Anantapur district and later in Mahabubnagar, regions known for large-scale migration due to unemployment. He warned that the new law could revive such distress migration.

The Chief Minister further noted that while MGNREGA currently allows 266 types of works, the proposed law removes key activities such as land development. This, he said, would adversely affect small and marginal farmers, Dalits, and tribal communities.

Calling the new legislation “anti-women,” Revanth Reddy said that reducing workdays would disproportionately harm poor women. He cited official data showing that 90% of MGNREGA beneficiaries in Telangana belong to SC, ST, and BC communities, and that women account for 62% of the workforce.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and several Congress members echoed these concerns, stressing that MGNREGA, introduced during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime, played a crucial role in strengthening social justice.

On the other hand, BJP floor leader A. Maheshwar Reddy defended the new law, stating that it aligns with the idea of Gram Swaraj and that pausing works during the farming season would help address labour shortages faced by farmers.

During the debate, remarks made by CPI MLA Koonamneni Sambasiva Rao led to protests from BJP members. Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar assured the House that the comments would be reviewed and expunged from the records if necessary.

The Assembly ultimately resolved to urge the Centre to retain MGNREGA in its present form, keeping its objectives and provisions intact.