Gujarat BJP workshop at Kamalam to focus on VB-G RAM G bill, rural employment reforms

Gandhinagar, Jan 22 (IANS) The BJP will hold an important workshop at its state headquarters, Kamalam, on January 23 to brief party leaders and workers on the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, a major legislative overhaul of India’s rural employment framework.

The workshop will be chaired by Gujarat BJP state president Jagdish Vishwakarma and will be attended by district presidents, general secretaries, MLAs and MPs from across the state. 

Party sources said the programme is aimed at ensuring clarity and uniform understanding of the bill among party functionaries ahead of wider public outreach.

The VB-G RAM G Bill, introduced by the Union Agriculture Minister in December 2025, seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, and align rural development policies with the Centre’s long-term vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.” 

The bill is being positioned as a shift from a purely employment-centric framework to a more integrated approach linking livelihoods, agriculture and rural infrastructure. During the workshop, detailed presentations will be made on the key provisions of the bill.

One of the major changes proposed is the increase in guaranteed wage employment from 100 days under MGNREGA to 125 days per rural household per financial year. Party leaders said this enhancement is intended to provide greater income security to rural families. 

The bill also introduces targeted agricultural support measures, allowing states to notify periods of up to 60 days during peak agricultural seasons when work under the scheme will not be undertaken.

This provision is aimed at ensuring adequate availability of farm labour during sowing and harvesting periods, without disrupting agricultural productivity. 

Another central feature to be discussed at the workshop is the introduction of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs). Under this bottom-up planning mechanism, works will be identified at the village level through convergence-based planning, linked with PM Gati Shakti and geospatial systems, to ensure better coordination, transparency and asset creation. 

Apart from explaining the legislative framework, the workshop will focus on strategy and communication. Party workers will be guided on how to take the provisions of the bill to the grassroots, counter misinformation, and build awareness about its intended benefits for rural employment and livelihoods.

Appealing to party workers to participate actively, Jagdish Vishwakarma said the workshop would play a crucial role in preparing the organisation for the promotion and effective implementation of the VB-G RAM G Bill in Gujarat, calling it a key step towards strengthening rural development under the Viksit Bharat vision.

--IANS

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