Mysuru
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka accused the Congress government of opposing the VB G RAM G Act due to fear of providing its share of funds, highlighting that the state treasury is running empty.
Addressing a press conference, he said the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, introduced the VB G RAM G Act to correct flaws in the rural employment guarantee scheme over the past 18 years, ensure transparency, and prevent corruption. Ashoka alleged that under the previous Congress rule, irregularities such as wage theft, ghost beneficiaries, and use of machinery like JCBs for manual work were rampant. The new scheme ends such malpractices through biometric attendance, fixed timelines for wage payments, and cancellation of fake job cards.
He noted that during the UPA government, Rs 2.5 lakh crore was allocated, while under the Modi government, Rs 8 lakh crore has been provided. The state’s share under the scheme is Rs 10,000 crore, while total funds, including central contributions, reach Rs 27,000 crore.
Ashok criticized the Congress for opposing increases in employment days from 100 to 125, claiming this would aid farmers and create permanent assets for rural development. He also condemned the government for calling a special session over funding concerns while ignoring other urgent issues, such as housing for migrants and compensation for disasters.
Ashok urged that the scheme should be implemented fully to benefit real beneficiaries, emphasizing that opposition to a people-focused program due to funding fears undermines both development and democracy.
