Did Corruption-Plagued MGNREGA Fail Rural Development? Kiren Rijiju Weighs In
Synopsis
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju critiques MGNREGA's inefficacy in rural development, despite massive spending, advocating for transformative changes through the new VB-G-RAM G Act in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasizes dispelling myths surrounding the new legislation amidst ongoing opposition propaganda.
Key Takeaways
Kiren Rijiju criticizes MGNREGA's inefficacy in rural development.
The new VB-G-RAM G Act aims to bring transformative changes.
Uttar Pradesh is highlighted due to its significant population and rural landscape.
Rijiju calls for campaigns to counter misinformation.
Opposition's tactics are compared to past controversies regarding the CAA.
Lucknow, Jan 13 (NationPress) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday slammed the now-defunct, corruption-infested MGNREGA for its inability to foster development in rural regions, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, despite a staggering expenditure exceeding Rs 11 lakh crore.
Speaking to the media following his address at the BJP public awareness workshop on VB-G-RAM G at Gomtinagar, Lucknow, Rijiju stated, “The 'Viksit Bharat – G Ram G Act' is set to initiate significant change. Within the next 2–3 years, a noticeable transformation will manifest in Uttar Pradesh, given its vast population—the highest number of villages and the largest demographic in the nation—resulting in the most profound changes occurring here.”
Describing MGNREGA as a “guarantee of looting,” Rijiju remarked, “Firstly, the previous legislation, known as MGNREGA, despite its expenditure of over Rs 11 lakh crore, did not accomplish the vital development required in our rural areas. Secondly, it failed to ensure the funds reached states like Uttar Pradesh, where employment opportunities are most critical…”
The Union Minister emphasized, “In Uttar Pradesh, the progress witnessed under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past 11 years, since the BJP assumed power here, has been substantial.”
He highlighted the necessity of launching a campaign to dispel misconceptions surrounding the VB-G-RAM G Act and ensure that its benefits reach every village.
“As the most populous and significant state in the country, Uttar Pradesh is actively organizing ongoing programs and workshops for the effective implementation of this law, aiming towards the vision of a ‘Developed India’,” Rijiju asserted.
When questioned regarding criticisms of the new legislation, the Union Minister stated that the Opposition has adopted a pattern of disseminating “false propaganda.”
He recalled how similar tactics were employed during the introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), where rumors claimed that Muslims would lose their citizenship, which proved unfounded.
Similar attempts to mislead the public about the new rural job law are underway, Rijiju noted, but the BJP is committed to launching a campaign to counter these myths.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the serious concerns raised by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju regarding the previous MGNREGA program. The emphasis on the need for effective rural development in Uttar Pradesh resonates with the ongoing discourse about transparency and accountability in government initiatives.
NationPress
4 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kiren Rijiju say about MGNREGA?
Kiren Rijiju criticized MGNREGA for failing to achieve necessary rural development despite significant financial expenditure, labeling it a 'guarantee of loot.'
What is the VB-G-RAM G Act?
The VB-G-RAM G Act is a new legislation aimed at transforming rural development in Uttar Pradesh, promising substantial changes over the next few years.
Why is Uttar Pradesh significant in this discussion?
Uttar Pradesh, being the most populous state with the highest number of villages in India, is central to the government's rural development agenda.
What does Rijiju say about opposition propaganda?
Rijiju claims that the opposition has a habit of spreading false propaganda against new laws, similar to previous misconceptions regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act.
How does Rijiju propose to address misinformation?
He suggests launching a campaign to dispel myths surrounding the VB-G-RAM G Act to ensure its provisions benefit all villages.
