23 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The newly introduced Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) — G RAM G Act—, which replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), has given fresh ammunition to the AAP government against the BJP-led Centre.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday accused the Centre of “snatching money from the poor to fill the coffers of rich industrialists” and alleged that the BJP was pursuing an “anti-Punjab mindset”.
He said the scrapping of MGNREGA through the VB-G RAM G Act was the latest in a series of alleged attacks on Punjab. “First, the Centre introduced the Agnipath Scheme and ended regular recruitment in the armed forces, thereby snatching livelihood opportunities from rural youth. After just three to four years of service, youngsters are sent back home,” said Mann.
Terming the provisions of the Act as “anti-poor”, Mann alleged that it vested excessive control with the BJP-led Central Government, leaving ample scope for manipulation. He warned that in the absence of a level playing field, non-BJP-ruled states were likely to suffer the most.
“Under the framework, states will not be allowed to undertake works such as irrigation projects, laying of pipelines and other labour-intensive activities. At the same time, the states’ financial contribution has been raised to 40 per cent. We have no objection to that, but then the Centre must release our rural development funds and GST share on time,” the CM said.
All such issues would be discussed during the special Vidhan Sabha session on December 30, said Mann, adding the BJP would also be given opportunity to share its views.
The CM alleged that the Centre was attempting to seize control of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Panjab University and even Chandigarh, thereby ending Punjab’s control over it. “We will oppose and foil all such attempts and will not allow them to succeed,” he asserted.
Mann claimed that the state government faced no shortage of funds for Punjab’s development. He said civic issues such as garbage, streetlights and sewage would be resolved soon.
He said newly elected zila parishad and block samiti members should work for the welfare of all. “They represent even those who did not vote for them. It is their duty to serve all sections with missionary zeal so that Punjab becomes a frontrunner in every field,” added Mann.
He pointed out that the AAP government would soon launch the Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana, under which 65 lakh families would be entitled to cashless treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh in both government and private hospitals.
Summary:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has alleged that the G RAM G Act was introduced to benefit industrialists rather than serve public interest. He claimed the legislation was designed to fill the coffers of big business houses at the cost of common people. Mann criticized the policy, saying it reflects misplaced priorities and called for laws that focus on public welfare and transparency.