The Punjab government has strongly opposed the Central government’s move to change the MGNREGA scheme and rename it as VB–G RAMJI. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has decided to convene a special session in the second week of January to protest what he described as the Centre’s high-handed approach. This development has become a key highlight in CM Punjab News Today.
Chief Minister Mann said that by altering the MGNREGA scheme, the BJP-led Central government is trying to snatch away the livelihood of poor and working-class people. He alleged that the Centre aims to weaken a scheme that supports millions of rural households. Mann asserted that Punjab will never tolerate such injustice.
Notably, the Central government is preparing to replace the MGNREGA scheme with VB–G RAMJI and introduce several amendments. Earlier, the Centre contributed 90 percent of the funds while state governments contributed 10 percent. Under the proposed changes, the Centre will contribute 60 percent, and state governments will bear 40 percent of the cost.
Farmer and labour unions across Punjab have also opposed these amendments. The issue continues to dominate CM Punjab News Today coverage.
