State BJP defends VB-G RAM G Act
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 14 2026: The new VB-G RAM G Act 2025 guarantees 125-work days, a significant increase from 100-work days guaranteed under the MGNREGA, said BJP Manipur Pradesh president Adhikarimayum Sarda today.

Speaking to media persons at the party's office at Nityaipat Chuthek, Sarda said the new Act that has replaced MGNREGA is an improvement.

She accused the Congress and Opposition parties of misleading the people about the new VB-G RAM G, and said the Act will bring more benefits to rural workers.

The VB-G RAM G, short for Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) .

The Bill received the President's assent on December 21, 2025.On the other hand, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was a flagship scheme enacted in 2005 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's UPA Government.

Ever since the VB-G RAM G was introduced in the Parliament, the Congress has been protesting, asserting that the new Act has diluted the values of MGNREGA and insulted the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Congress' launched a 45-day Nationwide MGNREGA Bachao Sangram on January 10.A Sarda said the Opposition parties including the Congress are allegedly misleading the public into believing that job card holders will be paid less under VB-G RAM G .

The truth is no job card holders will be given less pay, she added.

The VB-G RAM G has a provision to stop or pause public work for up to 60 days during agriculture season.

"There is nothing wrong with this new provision.

In fact this will ensure availability of labourers during peak agriculture/harvesting season," Sarda said.

She contended that the VB-G RAM G is giving more power to Panchayati Raj institutions than the MGNREGA .

The VB-G RAM G was introduced in conformity with the planned objective to achieve a Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047, Sarda said.

India can't become a developed Nation without developing its rural areas first.

VB-G RAM G has been introduced with the sole objective to develop the country's rural areas, Sarda added.

Addressing the media persons, the State BJP vice president, Ch Chidananda said the Congress' attempt to mislead the people about the new Act will backfire.

The Congress will suffer a humiliating embarrassment when people learn the improved and beneficial provisions of the VB-G RAM G, he said.

Considering the prevailing situation in the State, the people of the State wouldn't want the BJP and the Congress to engage in a war of words over the new Act.

"It will also be wise for the Congress to stop misleading the people, and instead focus on resolving the crises and bringing peace and normalcy to Manipur," Chidananda said.

He asserted that "the Congress must first thoroughly study the VB-G RAM G".

He clarified that there is no change in the share of funds for the North East region.

The Centre's share of 90 percent and State's share of 10 percent, which was provided by the MGNREGA has been retained in the new Act.

There is no change made in the share of funds for the NE region, he said.

The change in the share of funds - Centre's 60 percent and State's 40 percent-as highlighted and criticised by the Congress, is only applicable to other developed States.

And, there is no change in the pay structure, he added.

BJP National Kisan Morcha general secretary and BV-G RAM G in-charge of NE, Dr Shambhu was present in the press meet.

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