Chandigarh: The Punjab Legislative Assembly on Monday approved a resolution expressing strong opposition to the Centre’s proposed ‘G-RAM-G’ initiative, with the state government calling for its withdrawal and warning of adverse consequences for vulnerable sections of society.
Introducing the resolution, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh told the House that the scheme could negatively impact the livelihoods of economically weaker people, particularly those dependent on rural employment. He argued that any policy which threatens the income security of the poor goes against the principles of social justice.
Sondh alleged that the proposed initiative would further marginalise rural communities and undermine efforts aimed at poverty alleviation. He maintained that safeguarding employment opportunities and income support for disadvantaged groups must remain a priority for governments at all levels.
Alongside this, the minister also tabled a separate resolution objecting to what he described as attempts to dilute or weaken the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). He accused the Union government of systematically targeting welfare programmes designed to provide financial stability to rural labourers.
Members supporting the resolutions echoed concerns that changes to existing employment schemes could deepen economic distress in villages. The Assembly’s decision reflects the state government’s continued pushback against policies it believes could erode social safety nets for the poor.
