The state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly defended the newly enacted Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, describing it as a “historic milestone” that will transform rural livelihoods across Meghalaya.
Addressing a press conference, BJP state general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna said the Act expands the statutory guarantee of unskilled wage employment from 100 days to 125 days per rural household annually, directly responding to the growing livelihood needs of rural families.
He rejected opposition claims that the Act curtails employment opportunities, asserting that no rights have been taken away. “On the contrary, opportunities are being strengthened by increasing guaranteed employment for rural households,” Pohshna said.
Refuting allegations that the legislation would weaken Gram Seva institutions or reduce rural jobs, Pohshna said the new approach focuses on long-term development rather than short-term relief. He stated that the Act prioritises the creation of durable assets such as roads, irrigation canals, schools and community infrastructure that will benefit villages for generations.
Pohshna emphasised that Gram Sevas will continue to play a central role in planning and oversight, while enhanced transparency measures, including complete digitisation of wage payments, will help eliminate leakages and ensure accountability.
Highlighting the structure of the Act, he said it is built around four clearly defined verticals—water security, core rural infrastructure, extreme-weather resilience and disaster preparedness—ensuring that employment generation directly contributes to long-term productivity.
“The Act guarantees timely wage payments, fixes responsibility, ensures funding discipline and integrates transparency and accountability at every level,” Pohshna added.
The BJP also accused the Congress party of spreading misinformation and baseless propaganda to mislead the public. Pohshna maintained that the Act safeguards traditional village institutions while strengthening decentralised governance.
Describing the legislation as a redefinition of rural employment policy, he said the VB-G RAMG Act, 2025, aligns with the broader vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He further noted that the Act introduces a 90:10 Centre–State funding ratio for Meghalaya, ensuring fiscal responsibility and improved returns on public investment.