G RAM G Act a conspiracy against MGNREGA: AAP

Adampur constituency in-charge, Chairman of the Punjab State Agriculture Development Bank and Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Pawan Kumar Tinu strongly criticised the Central Government’s Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission – Gramin (VB-G RAM G) Act. He termed the Act a conspiracy to weaken the historic and people-oriented MGNREGA Act and described it as yet another “black law”.

Tinu said the AAP-led Punjab Government stands firmly with over 19 lakh MGNREGA job card holders in the state. Addressing a press conference in Jalandhar, he said MGNREGA is not just a welfare scheme but a lifeline for crores of poor families and labourers across the country. The Act provides a legal guarantee of 100 days of employment, but the BJP government’s new Act is a direct attempt to dismantle this guarantee.

He said that under the VB-G RAM G Act, the duration of employment will depend entirely on the Central Government’s budget allocation. If the budget is reduced, workers will get fewer than 100 days of work. This will make the income of poor labourers uncertain and lead to a further rise in rural unemployment and poverty.

Pawan Tinu questioned why the Central Government failed to consult state governments, experts or labour organisations before introducing such a significant Act. He said this clearly reflects the authoritarian mindset of the Centre. He further stated that the Act brings a major change in the funding pattern of MGNREGA. Earlier, the Central Government bore the entire financial responsibility, but under the new Act, 40 per cent of the burden has been shifted to the states. Tinu said states already facing limited resources, debt and multiple responsibilities would find it extremely difficult to shoulder this burden, leading to delayed wage payments and even stoppage of work.

Pawan Tinu also strongly objected to the mandatory biometric attendance and smartphone requirement proposed in the Act. He said many rural areas still suffer from poor network connectivity and it is unrealistic to expect every worker to own a smartphone. If attendance is not recorded due to technical or network issues, workers’ wages may be deducted. He termed this system a deliberate conspiracy to entangle workers in technical hurdles and deprive them of employment.

Accusing the Centre of discriminating against Punjab, he said even when the state was hit by floods and other natural disasters, the Centre failed to provide adequate relief or release pending funds.