SHILLONG, JAN 5: The state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the newly enacted Viksit Bharat‑Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB‑G RAM G) Act, 2025, calling it a “historic milestone” that will transform rural livelihoods across Meghalaya.
Speaking at a press conference, BJP state general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna said the Act expands the statutory guarantee of unskilled wage employment from 100 days to 125 days per rural household per year, directly addressing “the increased livelihood needs of contemporary rural households.”
He added, “The truth is that the Act expands opportunities for our rural households by increasing the guaranteed employment… no rights have been taken away; on the contrary, they are being strengthened.”
He dismissed opposition claims that the legislation would erode rural jobs or weaken Gram Seva structures, stating, “What changes is the vision – instead of temporary relief, we are building durable assets – roads, irrigation canals, schools, even community infrastructure that will uplift the village for generations.”
He emphasized that Gram Sevas remain central to planning and oversight, while new transparency measures, including full digitization of wage payments, will eliminate leakages.
Pohshna also highlighted the Act’s four “clearly defined verticals”: water security, core rural infrastructure, extreme‑weather resilience, and disaster preparedness, ensuring that employment directly fuels long‑term productivity.
“The Act guarantees timely wage payment, fixes responsibility, ensures funding discipline, and weaves in accountability and transparency,” he said.
The BJP further accused the Congress party of spreading “misinformation” and “baseless propaganda,” asserting that the Act safeguards traditional village bodies while decentralizing governance.
“Congress’s narrative is misleading and aimed at obstructing progress,” Pohshna remarked.
According to him, the VB‑G RAM G Act, 2025, is positioned as a redefinition of rural employment policy, aligning with the broader vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. It introduces a 90:10 Centre‑State funding ratio for Meghalaya, ensuring fiscal accountability and higher returns on investment.
 has defended the newly enacted Viksit Bharat‑Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB‑G RAM G) Act, 2025, calling it a “historic milestone” that will transform rural livelihoods across Meghalaya.){kind=link}