New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) As opposition parties, spearheaded by Congress, prepare for nationwide protests, Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan robustly defended the recently enacted Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, commonly known as the VB-G RAM G Act, dismissing the opposition's criticisms as unfounded and politically motivated.

In light of the controversy surrounding the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), Chouhan accused the Congress and other opposition groups of deliberately disseminating misinformation regarding rural employment, laborers' rights, and the powers of Gram Panchayats.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have strengthened both laborers and rural communities, rather than undermining them," he stated.

The Union Minister highlighted the differences between the new legislation and the Congress-era MNREGA, which he claimed was riddled with corruption.

"We have established full transparency with the VB-G RAM G Act, ensuring that genuine benefits reach the laborers," he asserted, adding that the Congress party had shown both a lack of intent and effective policy during its governance.

He accused the Congress of misusing Mahatma Gandhi's legacy for electoral advantages, consistently cutting MNREGA budgets, freezing wages, and now shedding crocodile tears.

Chouhan pointed out significant improvements in the new Act, including an enhanced guarantee of 125 days of employment for each rural household (up from 100 days), making it a legal obligation to provide work on demand.

"Employment denial is not an option -- if work isn't available on time, the mandatory unemployment allowance will be activated, and late payments will incur additional compensation," he explained.

Refuting claims of diminished powers for Gram Sabhas and Panchayats, the Union Minister underscored an increase in decentralization.

"Decisions will be made at the village level, rather than imposed from above," he emphasized, noting enhanced responsibilities in planning, prioritization, approval, monitoring, and social audits.

He added that the participation of women, self-help groups, and community engagement are prioritized, along with the use of digital tools for transparency and grievance resolution.

Chouhan characterized the VB-G RAM G Act as aligned with Gandhian principles of Gram Swaraj, self-sufficiency, and respect for labor.

"This is not a handout -- it represents dignified rights: timely work in villages, fair wages, safe working conditions, transparent payments, and sustainable livelihoods," he stated.

The Union Minister framed the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, as a progressive framework for a developed India, in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision while ensuring sanitation and comprehensive rural development.