CHIEF Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday briefed the media about the newly introduced Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act or VB-G Ram G Act, stating that the legislation reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to the welfare of the poor, farmers and labourers. Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said the new act has been designed to strengthen villages, improve rural livelihoods and bring greater accountability to employment related schemes.

 

Vishnu Deo Sai recalled that when Narendra Modi first became prime minister, he had pledged to dedicate his work to the upliftment of the poor. He said the impact of that resolve was visible during the first tenure, when major initiatives such as electricity connections, bank accounts, toilets and housing were provided to large sections of the population. According to him, the new act continues the same approach with a sharper focus on labour welfare. The chief minister said the VBG Ram G Act is superior to the existing MNREGA framework in several aspects.

 

Under the new act, the number of guaranteed workdays has been increased from 100 to 125 days. He said labour payments will be ensured within a week, and if there is any delay, workers will be entitled to interest. This provision, he added, will protect labourers from payment-related hardships. Explaining the need for reforms, Vishnu Deo Sai said Chhattisgarh and the country as a whole are agriculture-dominated. He noted that MNREGA works often clash with agricultural activities, especially during harvesting seasons.

 

Under the new framework, work can be paused for up to 60 days during harvesting, which will ease pressure on farmers and reduce labour shortages in agriculture. He said the changes would also help curb migration to cities. The chief minister said the act will reduce excessive dependence on machines by encouraging the use of labour, leading to greater employment generation in rural areas. He described the initiative as a potential revolution for villages, stating that it will strengthen water conservation, ensure water security and help build durable rural infrastructure.

 

He added that the act will also help address damage caused to people during floods. According to Vishnu Deo Sai, allied sectors such as cattle rearing, fisheries and poultry will receive a boost under the new framework. He said Krishi Gati Shakti will be given priority, while administrative expenses have been increased from 6 percent to 9 percent to ensure better implementation and remuneration. Women self-help groups will also benefit, contributing to self-reliance and a stronger rural economy.

 

He said gram sabhas will play a key role in deciding the priority of works, especially in areas related to water conservation. Responding to opposition protests, the CM said the objections were largely symbolic. He rejected claims that the name of Mahatma Gandhi was being removed, arguing that many institutions across the country continue to bear the names of leaders from the Gandhi-Nehru family. He alleged that the Congress itself had ignored Mahatma Gandhi’s call to dissolve the party.

 

Vishnu Deo Sai said the new act would help curb irregularities and bring greater accountability. Citing the union ministry of rural development, he said more than 10.51 lakh complaints had been received earlier, highlighting the need for reform. He acknowledged that the financial burden may increase but maintained that benefits, transparency and accountability brought by the act would outweigh the costs and lead to long-term strengthening of villages.