Chandigarh, June 29
The General Secretary of All India Congress Committee, CWC Member, Sirsa MP and Former Union Minister Kumari Selja expressed serious concern over the Centre’s proposed rural employment scheme VB-G RAM G, scheduled to be implemented from July 1.
Selja said that if the new scheme leads to additional financial burden on states, weakens workers’ rights, or affects guaranteed employment opportunities, the government must immediately reconsider its decision. She said the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) has been a critical support system for millions of rural families, providing employment security, strengthening rural livelihoods, reducing migration and supporting the rural economy.
Selja added that any structural changes to such an important welfare scheme without broad consensus could adversely affect vulnerable sections of society who depend on it for survival. She noted that objections raised by several states regarding financial sharing, wage structure and employment guarantees reflect a lack of consensus on key provisions of the proposed scheme. The Centre, she said, must take these concerns seriously.
Selja further stressed that wages under rural employment programmes must be revised in line with inflation to ensure dignified living conditions for workers. She also suggested that employment provisions during agricultural seasons should remain flexible based on local requirements.
Selja urged the Centre not to rush implementation and called for wide-ranging consultations with state governments, Panchayati Raj institutions, labour organisations and experts. She reiterated that the Congress party remains committed to safeguarding the rights of rural workers, farmers and marginalised communities.