Mon Jan 12 14:21:49 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Union Minister Defends VB-G RAM G Act, Challenges Opposition to Public Debate

The Story:

Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje defended the VB-G RAM G Act, describing it as effective and pro-people, while criticizing the opposition’s stance. Speaking at a press conference in Hubballi on Monday, January 12, 2026, she asserted that the Act has been sent to the States for adaptation and faces opposition primarily from the Congress and INDI Alliance partners. Karandlaje highlighted the substantial expenditure and increased employment figures under the NDA regime compared to the UPA regime, while also pointing out irregularities and corruption within the former MGNREGA scheme, which prompted the revisions leading to the new Act.

The Minister challenged the Congress party to clarify the reasons behind their opposition, suggesting that some of their own MPs privately support the Act. She also responded to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar‘s call for a public debate, stating that the central government is willing to participate if provided a platform.

Key Points:

  • Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister, defends the VB-G RAM G Act.
  • The Act is currently being sent to states for adaptation.
  • Only the Congress and INDI Alliance partners are opposing it.
  • ₹10.66 lakh crore has been spent on rural employment guarantee schemes since 2005.
  • Under the UPA regime, 1,660 crore person days were created under MGNREGA; under the NDA regime, 3,010 crore person days were created.
  • 852 lakh works were carried out under the Modi regime, while 153 lakh works were carried out during the UPA regime.
  • 10.50 lakh cases of irregularities were registered under the erstwhile MGNREGA scheme.

Critical Analysis:

The defense of the VB-G RAM G Act by the Union Minister comes at a time when employment and social welfare schemes are under intense scrutiny. Given the historical context shows news articles surrounding Union conflict, the support of worker’s rights, and political dispute, this article serves to reveal the tensions that were present in India at the time. The act is expected to bolster the number of those able to work and get jobs in India.

Key Takeaways:

  • The central government is actively promoting the VB-G RAM G Act as an improvement over the previous MGNREGA scheme.
  • The opposition’s resistance is framed as politically motivated, rather than based on genuine concerns about the Act’s merits.
  • The government is emphasizing increased employment figures under its tenure compared to the previous administration.
  • The narrative of corruption and mismanagement under the previous scheme is being used to justify the need for the new Act.
  • The willingness to engage in a public debate suggests a confidence in the Act’s merits and a strategy to sway public opinion.

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