Dr. Balbir Singh attacks BJP’s VB-G RAM G scheme in Punjab Assembly, calling it anti-people, undermining guaranteed employment, and deceiving citizens.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh launched a harsh attack on the BJP-led Central Government , calling the ‘Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)’ ( VB-G RAM G scheme ) a second assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and a shrewd ruse. He charged that the Center was deliberately undermining the concept of guaranteed employment while misleading the public with “Red Herrings.”
The Cabinet Minister presented a picture of flagrant hypocrisy when speaking to the house at the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s special session on an official resolution. “Muh Mei Ram Ram, Bagal Mei Chhurri” (Ram Ram on the lips, but a dagger beneath the arm) is their (BJP-led Central Government) approach. He questioned the scheme’s nomenclature, saying, “They talk about Garib Kalyan, but their policies are a knife in the back of the poor.” What is the connection between Lord Ram and this ‘Ram G’? ‘Maryada Purushottam’ actually worked for the underprivileged people’s well-being. This plan has the opposite effect.
Dr. Balbir Singh elaborated on the “daggers” directed at the populace, emphasizing that the VB G RAM G program, which is the second murder of Mahatma Gandhi, is the first dagger. He explained how the Center has shifted from a demand-driven to a supply-driven approach, depriving Gram Sabhas of their legitimate authority to plan and carry out projects in accordance with local requirements. Bureaucrats make these decisions through an opaque “Normative” system.
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The Minister referred to the arbitrary classification of villages into A, B, and C kinds as the second “dagger” in an apparent attempt to exclude B and C type communities, which will leave many people without guaranteed employment.
The Cabinet Minister further emphasized Punjab’s deliberate neglect, saying, “For the past two and a half to three years, Punjab has not received material costs. Without materials, how is labor possible? Workdays should be extended from 100 to 150 in areas affected by natural calamities like floods, but Punjab is refused. But this year, Bihar, where elections were scheduled, received Rs 1,370 crore. Only states with elections are receiving funds,” he claimed.
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Dr. Balbir Singh concluded by drawing a comparison to the historic farmers’ movement with a strong sense of commitment. “I spent 13 months sitting at the borders. Farmers have set the example by enforcing the repeal of the agri-laws. The Electricity (Amendment) Bill and the Seeds Bill are two pieces of a larger chain that aims to further impoverish farmers and the impoverished. It’s time to give those who are manipulating people’s lives a lesson. Just like the farm laws were repealed, we will compel them to rescind these anti-people policies,” he declared.