Chandigarh, Dec 23: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday accused the BJP-led Centre of undermining rural livelihoods by replacing MGNREGA with the newly introduced Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or G RAM G Act, alleging the move benefits wealthy industrialists at the cost of the poor.
“The Centre is snatching money from the poor to fill the coffers of rich industrialists,” Mann said, calling the legislation “anti-poor” and reflective of what he described as an “anti-Punjab mindset” of the Union government.
Mann said the scrapping of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was part of a pattern of decisions that had weakened employment opportunities for rural youth. He cited the Agnipath scheme, which introduced short-term recruitment in the armed forces.
“First, they ended regular recruitment in the Army through Agnipath and snatched livelihood opportunities from rural youth. After just three to four years of service, youngsters are sent back home,” he said.
The chief minister alleged the new Act centralizes power with the Union government, leaving limited autonomy for states and creating room for misuse. He warned that states not ruled by the BJP would be disproportionately affected.
“Under this framework, states will not be allowed to carry out works like irrigation projects, laying pipelines and other labour-intensive activities,” Mann said. “On top of that, the states’ share has been increased to 40 percent.”
While the state had no objection to bearing a higher share, Mann said the Centre must fulfill its own financial obligations. “Our rural development funds and GST share should be released on time,” he added.
He said the issue would be taken up during a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha scheduled for Dec. 30, adding that BJP legislators would be given an opportunity to present their views.
