The Himachal Pradesh government has expressed concern over the proposed VB-G RAM G scheme, which is set to replace MGNREGA, stating that it may adversely impact nearly 12 lakh rural workers in the state. The Central Government has directed states to notify the new scheme by June 30, linking implementation to budget allocations.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state will strongly present its concerns before the Centre, stressing that no decision will be taken that compromises the livelihood of rural workers. He added that the scheme’s provisions, in their current form, do not align with the state’s geographical and economic realities.
The state has flagged the proposed wage rates of ₹247 per day in non-tribal areas and ₹309 per day in tribal regions as inadequate, citing high living costs and challenging terrain. The Chief Minister has directed officials to seek a revision in wages from the Centre.
Sukhu also emphasized that rural employment under the scheme must remain demand-driven, similar to MGNREGA, warning against any fixed cap on man-days. Himachal generated around 395 lakh man-days in 2024–25, while the Centre has reduced the target to 250 lakh man-days for 2025–26, with further reductions expected under the new scheme.
Concerns have also been raised over the future of 1,194 workers engaged under MGNREGA-linked arrangements, as well as delays in wage payments due to the proposed SNA-SPARSH funding mechanism instead of direct state treasury routing.
To examine the issue in detail, the state government has constituted a high-level committee headed by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, with senior officials as members. The panel will submit its report to the Chief Minister by June 29, after which the state’s approach to implementing the new scheme will be decided.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
