He announced a special Vidhan Sabha session on December 30 to debate these issues.
Punjab CM Mann calls G RAM G Act ‘anti-poor’, flags concerns, and announces a special Assembly session
On Monday, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann sharply criticised the newly introduced Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) — G RAM G Act. He asserted that the law is designed to “snatch money from the poor to fill the coffers of rich industrialists” and reflect an “anti-Punjab mindset” of the central government. He made these remarks during an event in Sangrur, where Mann also received a memorandum from a resident.
The VB-G RAM G Act, which recently replaced the long-standing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), has become a flashpoint between the Punjab government and the BJP-led Union Government. Mann claimed this legislative shift marks “the latest in a series of alleged attacks on Punjab”, citing earlier controversial policies such as the Agnipath Scheme, which he said has undermined stable livelihood opportunities for rural youth.
Mann described the new act’s provisions as “anti-poor” and charged that it grants excessive control to the Centre and gives them “ample scope for manipulation”, especially in non-BJP-ruled states. He highlighted major concerns, including restrictions that would prevent states from independently executing labour-intensive rural works like irrigation projects and laying pipelines. Mann also emphasised that states’ financial contribution to rural employment schemes has increased to 40 per cent and called on the Centre to release Punjab’s rural development funds and GST share on time if it expected compliance.
He announced a special Vidhan Sabha session on December 30 to debate these issues and said the BJP would be given an opportunity to present its perspective. In his broader criticism, Mann alleged attempts by the Centre to take control of institutions such as the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Panjab University and Chandigarh, asserting that Punjab would oppose such moves.
Mann reiterated his government’s development agenda for Punjab and assured residents that civic challenges, including garbage disposal, streetlight maintenance and sewage management, would be swiftly addressed. Mann also urged newly elected Zila Parishad and Block Samiti members to work diligently for all constituents, representing even those who did not vote for them.
He highlighted upcoming welfare initiatives and outlined the Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana, a health scheme under which 65 lakh families would receive cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh at both government and private hospitals.
Source: The Tribune
