In a significant push to educate the public about a major new rural employment law, the Rajasthan government has directed its district ministers-in-charge to embark on a three-day tour of their constituencies. The initiative, scheduled from January 11 to 13, 2025, aims to directly address public queries and dispel misconceptions surrounding the recently enacted Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G), which has replaced the longstanding Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Grassroots Outreach: Chaupals, Meetings, and Budget Dialogues
According to an order issued by the Cabinet Secretariat, the ministers' visit is designed as a comprehensive outreach program. Their mandate includes organizing two-night chaupals and two public meetings specifically in rural areas. The primary focus of these gatherings will be to inform citizens about the enhanced provisions under the VB-G RAM G scheme, including the increased number of labour days and other public welfare measures.
Beyond awareness, the ministers have been tasked with on-ground problem-solving. They are required to monitor and formulate action plans to resolve persistent issues related to roads, electricity, and water supply in both rural and urban pockets of their districts. Another critical component of their tour is to organize a dialogue for obtaining suggestions for the district-level budget. This consultation will involve a wide cross-section of society:
- Doctors and public health representatives
- Representatives from SC and ST communities
- NGOs, civil society groups, and consumer forums
- Farmers and animal husbandry/dairy organisations
- Youth, athletes, and young professionals
- Industry, service sector, and business representatives
- Rajeevika affiliates and other women representatives
The order also instructs ministers to ensure the timely implementation of land allocations and local-level approvals announced in previous budgets, such as those under the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) and local development plans. A review of the Panch Gaurav and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee District Upliftment Plans is also on the agenda.
Political Battle Lines Drawn Over New Legislation
This administrative drive is set against a backdrop of intense political maneuvering. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is intensifying its campaign to build public support for the VB-G RAM G Act. This push is strategically aligned with the upcoming civic body elections, making the successful rollout and public perception of the scheme crucial.
In opposition, the Congress party has announced its plan to launch a 45-day-long protest against the new Act. This protest is timed to coincide with the upcoming state Budget session, aiming to keep the issue at the forefront of political discourse. This move has, in turn, prompted the BJP to bolster its political messaging and grassroots outreach efforts, turning the three-day ministerial tour into a key component of its counter-strategy.
The replacement of MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Act represents a major policy shift for rural employment and welfare in Rajasthan. The success of this transition now hinges significantly on effective communication and implementation at the ground level, a challenge the state government is addressing through this direct ministerial engagement.
