Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje Defends MNREGA Overhaul as VB-G RAM G
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje addressed reporters in Hubballi on Monday. She provided details on the recent revision of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). The scheme has been renamed VB-G RAM G.
Expert-Led Revision Aims to Prevent Misuse
Karandlaje stated the changes followed a comprehensive study. This process lasted more than a year. It involved consultations with NITI Aayog, various state governments, and rural development experts. She emphasized these were not sudden or arbitrary modifications.
The primary goal is to curb the misuse of funds. Karandlaje revealed that since MNREGA's implementation, over 10.5 lakh cases related to fund misuse were registered. She acknowledged mistakes occurred during both the current and previous UPA governments.
New Funding Structure Demands State Accountability
The minister outlined the new operational framework for VB-G RAM G. A key feature is the revised funding ratio. It is now set at 60:40 between the Union and state governments.
"Proper execution of the scheme is only possible with funding from both levels," Karandlaje explained. "This ratio ensures state governments remain accountable. Without this shared responsibility, there is a significant risk of scheme misuse."
She stressed that every state has a crucial role in the scheme's successful implementation.
Addressing the Name Change: From Gandhi to RAM
Karandlaje faced questions about replacing Mahatma Gandhi's name with 'RAM' in the scheme's title. She clarified that VB-G RAM G is fundamentally an employment guarantee scheme, not a religious one.
"When Mahatma Gandhi himself chanted Ram's name, what is wrong in it?" she questioned. She asked if the Congress party's opposition was solely based on the name. "What are their true priorities?" she added, challenging the critics.
Response to Karnataka's Special Session
The minister also commented on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's plan. He intends to call a special legislative session. The goal is to pass a resolution demanding MNREGA's re-implementation.
"State governments are free to discuss and offer suggestions," Karandlaje said. However, she noted that her party would decide whether its legislators should participate in such a session. The final decision rests with the party leadership.
Karandlaje's statements in Hubballi highlight the government's rationale behind overhauling the flagship rural employment program. The focus remains on improving accountability and reducing financial irregularities through structural changes.
