No injustice will be allowed against farmers: Chauhan on VB-G RAM G scheme

Defending the VB-G RAM G scheme, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Saturday said the Centre had taken a pledge that no injustice would be allowed against farmers.

Speaking at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Awards 2025 in Delhi, Mr. Chauhan said that drawing inspiration from the former Prime Minister and foremost leader of farmers, the government has increased the duration of employment under the VB-G RAM G scheme from 100 to 125 days, which will transform rural landscapes. “We also decided to pause the scheme during the farming season after listening to farmers, making it beneficial for both labourers and farmers,” he added.

Recalling Singh’s opposition to Jawaharlal Nehru, Mr. Chauhan said, “At a time when few dared to speak against Pandit Nehru, Chaudhary Saheb strongly opposed the foreign concept of cooperative farming. Inspired by Gandhian thought, he broke salt on the banks of the Hindon River, abolished the zamindari system to make farmers landowners, never bowed to pressure while protecting farmers’ interests, and empowered them by creating the post of lekhpal.”

Speaking at the second edition of the awards organised by the Kisan Trust, Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Minister of State for Education, also highlighted the efforts of the present government in the agriculture sector. Referring to the VB-G RAM G Bill, he said, “Chaudhary Saheb had initiated the ‘food for work’ scheme, which later evolved into MGNREGA, and today, in line with farmers’ aspirations, it stands before us as VB-G RAM G.”