Telangana Cabinet panel flags concerns over proposed VB-G RAM G Act

The Telangana Cabinet Sub-Committee has raised strong objections to the proposed VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, warning that it could undermine rural protections and increase financial burdens on States.

Hyderabad: The Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted by the Telangana government to examine the implications of the proposed Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, expressed serious concerns over several provisions.

It noted the proposed legislation could adversely affect Telangana’s interests and weaken protections available to vulnerable rural communities.

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The committee, chaired by Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, held its first meeting on Sunday. After discussing the issue at length, the committee explored various options for formally conveying the State’s dissent over what it described as significant omissions and commissions in the proposed framework that seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the VB-G RAM G Act from July 1.

Some provisions of the proposed legislation could dilute State governments’ role in planning and implementing employment guarantee programmes while increasing financial liabilities on States, the Committee Members observed.

The members also reviewed concerns raised by several non-BJP ruled States and certain northeastern States regarding the additional fiscal burden that may arise from implementation of the proposed legislation. It was pointed out that some States, including Himachal Pradesh, have not yet accepted the new framework.

The committee is expected to recommend a series of amendments aimed at safeguarding the interests of workers, self-help groups, rural households, small and marginal farmers, and other vulnerable sections. It is also likely to stress the need for States to retain adequate flexibility in designing and implementing programmes suited to local socio-economic conditions.

The Cabinet sub-committee preferred formally communicating State’s concerns and recommendations to the union Government after finalising its report.

The Irrigation Minister strongly criticised the proposed removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the programme, describing it as unfortunate and unnecessary. He noted that several farmers’ and labour organizations across the country had voiced opposition to the move.