TNR News Network
Shimla
BJP State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal today said that employment generation in Himachal Pradesh has doubled under the Modi government, with mandays rising from 16.52 lakh to 32.6 lakh. He credited this achievement to the Centre’s new Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) – VB–G RAM G Act, 2025, which he described as a “historic step linking employment with rural development.”
VB–G RAM G: A New Era for Rural India
Addressing a press conference, Dr. Bindal said the scheme, recently passed in Parliament, goes beyond providing jobs by creating a development-oriented framework. Unlike MGNREGA, which guaranteed 100 days of employment but delivered an average of only 50.4 days, VB–G RAM G ensures 125 days of legally guaranteed employment tied directly to village development projects.
Plans will be prepared at the Gram Sabha level, integrated with the PM Gati Shakti platform, and executed to ensure holistic rural growth.
Technology-Driven, Transparent Implementation
Dr. Bindal highlighted that the scheme is fully technology-driven, with biometric attendance, digital monitoring, six-month reviews, and time-bound payments. Beneficiaries will receive compensation if employment or wages are delayed, ensuring accountability.
Special Funding Pattern for Himachal
He dismissed Congress claims of confusion over funding, clarifying that Himalayan states like Himachal will benefit from a 90:10 Centre–State funding ratio, compared to 60:40 in other states.
Comparative Data: NDA vs UPA
- UPA (2006–2014): ₹2.13 lakh crore spent, 1,660 million mandays generated, 153 lakh works completed.
- NDA (2014–2025): ₹8.53 lakh crore spent, 3,210 million mandays generated, 862 lakh works completed.
“In Himachal, employment has doubled under the Modi government,” Bindal said, adding that the new scheme has a ₹1.5 lakh crore provision, far higher than earlier allocations.
The scheme prioritizes:
- Rural infrastructure
- Water conservation
- Environmental protection
- Rural livelihoods
Administrative expenditure has been raised from 6% to 9% for better monitoring and auditing.
Political Context
Dr. Bindal accused Congress of misleading the public by focusing on name changes, noting that renaming schemes has been common across governments. “The real issue is not the name, but outcomes and development,” he said.
Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
Concluding, Dr. Bindal said the scheme is aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He warned that if the state government fails to provide its 10% share, it will reveal an “anti-rural and anti-poor mindset.” The BJP, he asserted, will take the scheme to every household in Himachal.
