This is a milestone for rural India. Whereas MGNREGA provided 100 days jobs, G RAM G ensures 125 days, with provisions to notify pauses during peak sowing and harvesting seasons – up to 60 days as per state requirements
-Dr Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal: What was expected finally a session on chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav coming forward to give answers to many unanswered questions on one of most terrible incidents that has claimed as many as 17 lives so far in Indore giving a bad name to Madhya Pradesh in the entire country unexpectedly turned out to be his defence for G RAM G just as the Opposition Congress is all set to launch a nation wide agitation on MGNREGA.
Talking to newspersons at the state BJP headquarters on Wednesday shortly after the state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal initiated the subject chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav praised Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 – popularly known as the ‘G RAM G’ scheme.
Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development Prahlad Singh Patel, Ministers for Sports and Youth Welfare Vishwas Sarang, Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development minister Aidal Singh Kansana, minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairying Lakhan Patel, BJP state president Kisan Morcha Jaipal Singh Chawda and state BJP media in charge Ashish Usha Agrawal were present on the occasion.
Describing it as a revolutionary step for rural development and farmers’ welfare,
Dr Yadav emphasised that the scheme (which replaces Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), ‘guarantees 125 days of wage employment in a financial year, up from the previous 100 days’.
He said, “This is a milestone for rural India. Whereas MGNREGA provided 100 days jobs, G RAM G ensures 125 days, with provisions to notify pauses during peak sowing and harvesting seasons – up to 60 days as per state requirements.”
Expressing eagerness to implement the scheme in its letter and spirit he said, “We are fully capable of contributing our 40 per cent share in the 60:40 funding ratio with the Centre. As the second-largest state by area, Madhya Pradesh will derive immense benefits, especially for vulnerable groups like women, SC/ST and landless families.”
He elaborated on additional features, including expanded works such as cowshed construction in tribal and aspirational districts, prioritisation of skilled labour, and provisions for natural calamities.
Dismissing the Opposition Congress’ criticism, Dr Yadav said the new provisions in the new Act for the jobs guarantee were solely aimed at benefitting labourers.
Reiterating the state’s developmental priorities, the CM announced that 2026 would be celebrated as the ‘Farmers Welfare Year’ with the slogan ‘Samriddh Kisan, Samriddh Pradesh’ (Prosperous Farmer, Prosperous State).
“This will involve coordinated efforts from over 15 departments. We will consult experts to frame robust policies for farmers’ upliftment,” he stated.
Dr Yadav expressed confidence that G RAM G would strengthen rural economies, create sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India.
The moment a question was asked on Bhagirathpura CM rose from his seat signalling no question to be entertained thereafter, having answered the same.
On number of deaths as to how the government chose to hide the actual number of deaths he said the number would be ascertained based on postmortem reports.
But, he added, the government stood by the families (which lost its members due to the tragedy).
Earlier, state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal called G RAM G scheme a game-changer for villages urging party workers to spread awareness at the grassroots level.
Dr Yadav also revealed plans for 2027 as the ‘Year of Youth’, focusing on opportunities for the younger generation.
In a related development earlier in the day, CM chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials, stressing punctuality in government offices.
He directed that all offices must commence work sharply at 10 am, with biometric and technological monitoring enforced to enhance discipline and efficiency.
Congress’ Agitation
Notably, Congress has announced a nationwide agitation called “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram” to protest the central government’s act of replacing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act.
Congress is set to launch its first phase of agitation on MGNAREGA from January 10 across India to reach out to the state, district, block and village panchayat level starting with preparatory meetings and outreach.
The first phase of agitation will go up to February 25 with activities planned including dharna, panchayat-level chaupals, sit-ins and rallies.
