Shimla: The introduction of the VB-G RAM G scheme in place of MGNREGA could deal a major blow to nearly 12 lakh workers in Himachal Pradesh. The Central Government has initiated the process of replacing MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G scheme and has directed all states to notify the new scheme by 30 June. The Centre has made it clear that only those states that notify the new scheme will receive budget allocations. However, the Himachal Pradesh government believes that several provisions of the scheme, in its current form, are not aligned with the interests of the state and its workers.
Taking this matter very seriously, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has instructed the officials to strongly present the state’s concerns before the Central Government. He stated that the state government would not compromise on any issue affecting the livelihood of lakhs of rural workers.
Under the proposed provisions, the wage rate is currently fixed at Rs.247 per day in non-tribal areas and Rs. 309 per day in tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh. The state government believes that these rates are inadequate considering the state’s geographical conditions, inflation and cost of living. The Chief Minister has directed officials to demand a reasonable increase in wages from the Centre.
The Chief Minister also emphasized that the employment guarantee scheme should continue to remain demand-driven, as it was under MGNREGA. He said that the provision of employment in rural areas should not be restricted by predetermined limits and that work should be provided according to need.
During 2024–25, approximately 395 lakh man-days were generated under MGNREGA in Himachal Pradesh. However, for 2025–26, the Central Government allocated a target of only 250 lakh man-days for the state. According to the proposed provisions of the VB-G RAM G scheme, the number of man-days available to the state could be reduced even further. The state government believes this could negatively impact rural employment opportunities and affect the income of lakhs of workers. This issue will also be raised prominently with the Centre.
In addition, 1,194 employees are currently working under various MGNREGA projects on scheme-based, contractual or outsourced arrangements. Under the new system, uncertainty may arise regarding their future and salary payments. The funds provided by the Centre under VB-G RAM G will be limited and routed through the SNA-SPARSH mode rather than through the state treasury, which may create difficulties in timely salary payments to scheme employees.
The state government plans to raise this concern with the Central Government and will request advance funding to ensure that salary payments are not disrupted. These employees will be governed by service conditions framed under the new scheme.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the formation of a high-level committee to conduct a detailed study of all aspects of this scheme and prepare recommendations in the interest of Himachal Pradesh. The committee will be chaired by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh. The Secretary of the Panchayati Raj Department, C. Palrasu and Director Raghav Sharma will serve as members of the committee.
The committee will submit its report to the Chief Minister by 29 June, based on which the state government will decide how to implement the VB-G RAM G scheme in Himachal Pradesh.
