VB-G RAM G: Karnataka minister urges Centre for 80:20 wage sharing

Karnataka Rural Development Minister Eshwar Khandre on Thursday urged the Centre to increase the Centre-State wage-sharing ratio under the new rural employment guarantee scheme, VB-G RAM G, which has replaced MGNREGA, to at least 80:20.

He also stated that the centre’s decision not to provide employment for 60 days in a year under the new scheme is “neither correct nor justifiable.”

“Under MGNREGA, which was launched by the UPA Government in 2006, the central Government used to bear 90 per cent of the wage cost, while State Governments contributed only 10 per cent. But, under the new VB-G RAM G scheme to be implemented by the BJP-led NDA Government from July 1, the Centre will provide funds in a 60:40 ratio, which places a greater financial burden on State Governments,” Khandre said.

“In the modern era, agricultural work has become increasingly mechanised, and many landless rural labourers are unable to find employment,” the minister said.  He urged the centre to withdraw the proposal for a 60-day break, since the employment guarantee scheme serves as an important support system for landless agricultural labourers.

Khandre said that a meeting of Rural Development Ministers from all States will be held on June 28 and 29 under the chairmanship of Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and at that meeting, he intends to press for an increase in the wage-sharing ratio and the withdrawal of the proposed 60-day employment break.

 He further argued that under VB-G RAM G, the centre should not impose restrictions on the types of work that States can undertake. States should have the freedom to choose employment projects according to their needs.

Referring to a virtual meeting with Union ministers held on June 9, Khandre said that during the meeting, he pointed out that the State Government is increasing the minimum wage and requested a corresponding revision of wages under the VB-G RAM G scheme.

He further said, the Union Minister responded that a wage commission has already been constituted for this purpose and assured that a decision would be taken soon.