Why is AAP Protesting in Punjab Against the New Rural Employment Scheme?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On Dec 31, Punjab's Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond led a protest against the controversial VB-G RAM G Act, claiming it threatens the livelihoods of millions. This act has replaced the MGNREGA, raising concerns about the rural economy. The AAP vows to fight against this law to protect workers' rights.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond led a significant protest against the new rural employment scheme.
- The VB-G RAM G Act replaces the previous MGNREGA.
- Critics label the new act as harmful to the rural economy and vulnerable populations.
- AAP vows to continue its fight against the legislation to safeguard labor rights.
- Scheduled Caste communities and women are expected to be disproportionately affected.
Chandigarh, Dec 31 (NationPress) The Punjab Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, spearheaded a demonstration on Wednesday, rallying hundreds of laborers against the Union government’s freshly enacted Viksit Bharat -- Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G), which has supplanted the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
During his address in Khanna town, Sond criticized the VB-GRAM Act as a “black, draconian, and anti-poor law” that threatens to obliterate the rural economy and deprive the most vulnerable segments of society of their livelihoods. “The BJP-led Central government has deceived rural India with this ominous law. It directly jeopardizes the sustenance of millions of poor families reliant on MGNREGA for their survival,” Sond stated.
“This legislation heartlessly denies work during critical agricultural periods, precisely when families require it the most. This is not progress; it is an annihilation of the rural impoverished.” He emphasized that Scheduled Caste communities, women, and landless laborers would be the most affected.
“The AAP will not remain passive. We will carry this struggle to the streets of Delhi. We will resist any attempt by the BJP government to take away the hard-earned rights of our workers,” Sond asserted.
Simultaneously, AAP spokesperson Kuldeep Dhaliwal launched a fierce critique of the BJP-led central government and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), accusing them of plotting against the poor, Dalits, and women MGNREGA workers through the G-RAM-G Act.
Speaking to the media in Amritsar, Dhaliwal remarked, “By introducing this new Bill under the guise of reforms, the BJP has robbed the last morsel from the mouths of the impoverished. This Act is merely an assault on the livelihoods of crores of MGNREGA workers, particularly those from Dalit and marginalized communities.” He highlighted that AAP strongly opposed the Act in the state Assembly and would not hesitate to elevate the struggle to the streets.
Point of View
The concerns raised by the AAP regarding the VB-G RAM G Act reflect broader anxieties about rural employment and economic stability. The implications of this legislation could significantly affect vulnerable communities, necessitating a thorough examination of its long-term effects on rural livelihoods.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VB-G RAM G Act?
The VB-G RAM G Act, enacted in 2025, replaces the MGNREGA and aims to provide a new framework for rural employment and livelihood support.
Who led the protest against the VB-G RAM G Act?
The protest was led by Punjab's Minister for Rural Development, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, alongside hundreds of laborers.
What are the main concerns regarding the new act?
Critics claim the act threatens livelihoods, particularly for the rural poor, Scheduled Caste communities, and women, by denying work during critical agricultural seasons.
How has AAP responded to the new legislation?
The AAP has strongly opposed the VB-G RAM G Act, vowing to fight against it and protect the rights of rural workers.
What was the reaction of AAP spokesperson Kuldeep Dhaliwal?
Kuldeep Dhaliwal criticized the BJP-led government, claiming the act is an assault on the livelihoods of millions, particularly targeting marginalized communities.
