Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal
Bhopal, Jan 5: Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday accused the Congress of spreading “misinformation” about the newly updated Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G-RAM-G) scheme, saying the programme has been enhanced to benefit the poor. He alleged that corruption had been widespread under MGNREGA and claimed that the Opposition’s resistance to the new scheme was politically motivated.
Speaking to the media, Chouhan criticised the Congress after it announced a campaign, ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram,’ against VB-G-RAM-G starting January 10. He questioned the absence of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha during discussions on the issue.
Terming the planned campaign “an attempt to protect corruption,” Chouhan alleged large-scale irregularities under MGNREGA. “Under social audits done by gram sabhas, there were more than 10,51,000 complaints. Same work was repeated, work was done by machine, and money was siphoned in the name of cleaning canals and roads. Thirty percent workers were above 60 years,” he said.
Chouhan added that the Modi government had allocated significantly higher funds to rural employment, with over ?8,48,000 crore provided compared to just over ?2 lakh crore during the UPA regime. He said the new VB-G-RAM-G scheme better safeguards workers’ interests and announced that ?1,51,282 crore would be allocated for the programme in the next financial year, with over ?95,600 crore coming from the Centre. He assured there would be no shortage of funds to guarantee 125 days of work.
The Opposition has been protesting against the VB-G-RAM-G Bill, passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha on December 21, 2025, hours after clearing the Lok Sabha. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on the same day, turning the Bill into an Act that replaces MGNREGA.
Chouhan reiterated that the Congress campaign against the scheme was politically motivated and aimed at shielding corruption, while the government continues to prioritise rural employment and development.