Viksit Bharat–Ji Ram Ji Rural Law Reflects Gandhian Ideals, Will Strengthen Villages: Bihar BJP Chief

Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi today said that the Viksit Bharat–Ji Ram Ji Guarantee and Rural Livelihood Mission Act is in line with the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and aims to strengthen the rural economy.

Addressing a joint press conference of NDA Saraogi targeted the opposition saying that

it is wrong to oppose every good initiative taken by the government. He said that the NDA and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are committed to making India a developed nation by 2047 for which development of villages is essential.

Saraogi said that the Nitish Kumar led government in Bihar is working in a planned manner to develop villages by improving basic infrastructure and livelihoods. Explaining the benefits of the new law, he said that earlier employment schemes guaranteed 100 days of work, but under the new law this has been increased to 125 days of guaranteed employment. He added that the law also provides for unemployment allowance if work is not provided, along with weekly payment of wages.

He said the NDA’s vision is to ensure employment for every poor person while protecting their dignity. This law aims to create a new rural development framework in line with the national mission of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the entire law reflects the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi and the idea of Ram Rajya, Saraogi added.

Taking a dig at the opposition, he said the new law clearly focuses on the welfare of villages, farmers and the rural poor, unlike the earlier MGNREGA, which often faced allegations of corruption. He claimed the new law ensures that funds are used in a more effective and transparent manner and will play an important role in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.

Saraogi further said that the Viksit Bharat–Ji Ram Ji scheme aims to empower panchayats, allowing gram sabhas to decide and implement development works locally. The focus will be on water conservation, infrastructure and livelihood-related projects, with the goal of creating poverty-free, self-reliant and developed villages.

Responding to criticism, Saraogi said the opposition appears uncomfortable even with the name “Ram” in the law which will strengthen the rural economy and provide employment to poor farmers and labourers.

Addressing the press conference, JDU state president and MLA Umesh Singh Kushwaha said the opposition’s campaign against the law was misleading. He said employment opportunities have been expanded under the new law and changes have been made to MGNREGA keeping the Viksit Bharat goal in mind. He added that administrative expenditure has increased from 6 per cent to 9 per cent, which will strengthen implementation. Weekly wage payments will also ensure timely payment to workers.

LJP (Ram Vilas) state president Raju Tiwari welcomed the law, saying that earlier only a small portion of funds reached beneficiaries, but under the NDA government money is now being transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. He said the law would support village development.

HAM chief general secretary Rajesh Pandey said the opposition’s objection was not about the scheme but about the inclusion of “Ram” in its name. He said the new law allows permanent works and has removed shortcomings of earlier schemes.

Rashtriya Lok Morcha general secretary Subhash Chandravanshi said the opposition lacks issues and is opposing the law out of habit. He said the new law has made employment schemes more transparent and will greatly benefit rural people.