Telangana write protest letter against VB-G RAM-G scheme: Minister

Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Dansari Anasuya Seethakka. File | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR

The Telangana government has decided to formally convey its objections to the proposed VB-G RAM-G scheme, which the Center plans to implement from July 1, Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Danasari Anasuya Seethakka said on Saturday. She also said that the final decision to implement the scheme would be taken after consultation with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the state cabinet.

The minister said the state would write to the Union government and outline its concerns over the new policy, which had already been opposed by the Telangana Legislative Assembly through a resolution. The decision comes amid reports that the Center is urging states to adopt the scheme from July 1.

In the meeting, Ms. Seethakka reviewed the issues to be raised while interacting with officials including Panchayat Raj and Special Secretary General for Rural Development Dana Kishore, Commissioner Divya Devarajan, Special Commissioner Srilakshmi, Joint Commissioner Narasimhulu and others.

During the review, officials informed the minister that the implementation of the new policy is linked to the release of 60% of the funds required for the employment guarantee program from the Centre. They also pointed out that several states have already initiated implementation steps and issued notifications in this regard. Approaches adopted by other states were discussed at the meeting.

Ms. Seethakka said that allocating working days on a prescriptive basis instead of according to demand is not appropriate. It further suggested that the Center scrap the provision mandating a 60-day break from work during the agricultural season.

She found that the monsoon season coincides with the plantation and afforestation carried out through employment generation works in Telangana. Imposing a 60-day suspension during this period would disrupt programs like ‘Vanamahotsavam’ and plantations, which are in line with the centre’s environmental objectives, she said.

The minister further noted that agricultural operations in tribal and hilly areas do not last continuously for 60 days, making the proposed provision impractical in these areas. Interruption of ongoing works for two months would adversely affect development activities. It also demanded that the center bear all expenses for ongoing employment works, buildings and other infrastructure projects till their completion. She said the state would seek to delay implementation of the system to allow states more flexibility.

At the same time, the minister clarified that if the introduction of VB-G RAM-G policy becomes inevitable, the state government will ensure that the workers do not suffer losses. Officials have been instructed to prepare a framework under which the state could compensate workers for any adverse impact arising from the new policy, she added.

Published – 13 Jun 2026 23:24 IST