Telangana to write protest letter against VB-G RAM-G scheme: Minister

The Telangana government has decided to formally convey its objections to the proposed VB-G RAM-G scheme that the Centre plans to implement from July 1, Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Danasari Anasuya Seethakka said on Saturday. She also said that a final decision on the implementation of the scheme would be taken after consultations with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the State Cabinet.

The Minister said the State would write to the Union government outlining its concerns over the new policy, which has already been opposed by the Telangana Legislative Assembly through a resolution. The decision comes amid reports that the Centre is urging States to adopt the scheme from July 1.

Ms. Seethakka reviewed the issues to be raised in the communication with officials, including Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Special Chief Secretary Dana Kishore, Commissioner Divya Devarajan, Special Commissioner Srilakshmi, Joint Commissioner Narasimhulu and others, at a meeting.

During the review, officials informed the Minister that implementation of the new policy was linked to the release of 60% of the funds required for the employment guarantee programme from the Centre. They also pointed out that several States had already initiated steps for implementation and issued notifications in this regard. The meeting discussed the approaches being adopted by other States.

Ms. Seethakka said allocating employment days on a normative basis instead of according to demand was not appropriate. She also proposed that the Centre withdraw the provision mandating a 60-day break in employment works during the agricultural season.

She observed that the monsoon season coincides with plantation and afforestation activities undertaken through employment guarantee works in Telangana. Imposing a 60-day suspension during this period would disrupt programmes such as ‘Vanamahotsavam’ and plantation drives, which are in line with the Centre’s environmental objectives, she said.

The Minister further noted that agricultural operations in tribal and hilly regions do not extend for 60 days continuously, making the proposed provision impractical in such areas. Interrupting ongoing works for two months would adversely affect development activities. She also demanded that the Centre bear the entire expenditure on ongoing employment guarantee works, buildings and other infrastructure projects until their completion. She said the State would seek postponement of the scheme’s implementation to allow greater flexibility for States.

At the same time, the Minister clarified that if implementation of the VB-G RAM-G policy became unavoidable, the State government would ensure that workers did not suffer losses. Officials have been instructed to prepare a framework under which the State could compensate labourers for any adverse impact arising from the new policy, she added.