Itanagar, Jan 7: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Bosiram Siram on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP leadership over the proposed VB-G-RAM-G Act, alleging that it seeks to dilute the rights-based MGNREGA and mislead rural beneficiaries.
Reacting to recent statements by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, MP Tapir Gao and State BJP President Kaling Moyong, Siram said the BJP was presenting a “one-sided and misleading narrative” while concealing the long-term consequences of replacing MGNREGA with the new framework.
Describing the move as a shift “from legal right to government charity,” Siram asserted that MGNREGA guaranteed employment by law, whereas VB-G-RAM-G would become a government-controlled, budget-linked scheme. “Rural employment cannot depend on political convenience or budget priorities,” he said.
Questioning claims of increasing workdays from 100 to 125, Siram stated that in many districts of Arunachal Pradesh people fail to receive even 30-40 days of work, with wages often delayed. He also expressed concern over the 90:10 funding pattern, warning that it could impose a heavier financial burden on tribal and resource-poor states, like Arunachal Pradesh.
The APCC president further alleged that the new framework would weaken Panchayati Raj institutions by centralising decision-making and shift focus from wage employment to infrastructure projects, potentially excluding vulnerable groups such as landless labourers, women and the elderly. He also argued that skill development initiatives cannot replace guaranteed employment, particularly in remote border regions.
Terming BJP claims of transparency as “propaganda,” Siram reiterated that Congress would oppose any move that undermines rural employment rights. “Arunachal Pradesh deserves empowerment, not experiments,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the APCC convened a strategic executive meeting at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan under Siram’s chairmanship to deliberate on the AICC’s call for a nationwide protest against the VB-G-RAM-G Act. The meeting was attended by former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, senior leaders, APCC office bearers, frontal organisations and district representatives.
The APCC resolved to launch a statewide campaign titled “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram” from January 10 to February 25 next, featuring press conferences, symbolic protests, Panchayat-level outreach, district-level dharnas and zonal AICC rallies.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to safeguard the rights, dignity and livelihoods of rural workers across Arunachal Pradesh.