Shivraj Chouhan Unveils Plans for Rural Transformation with RAM-G Act

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on December 23, 2023, that the new Viksit Bharat-G Ram G Act will significantly transform rural India. Speaking at a Kisan Sammelan in Merta city, Nagaur, Chouhan described the initiative as “far better” than the previous employment scheme established during the Congress-led UPA regime.

The minister emphasized that the new act promotes holistic development in villages and enhances employment opportunities for laborers. He criticized the Congress Party for voicing concerns that the new scheme would deprive people of jobs, stating, “This is a far better scheme that will completely transform villages.”

Under the previous program, laborers were guaranteed 100 days of employment per year, which has now been increased to 125 days. Chouhan asserted that the government is not reducing employment but expanding it, countering claims from Congress that the changes would lead to job losses. He stated, “They (Congress) are trying to scare laborers and spread confusion.”

The total annual outlay for the new scheme is estimated at Rs 1.51 lakh crore. Chouhan criticized the Congress Party, suggesting that its members lack understanding of rural issues. “Those in Congress do not understand fields or villages. They have neither seen fields nor villages nor dust,” he remarked.

Empowering Villagers and Ensuring Transparency

Chouhan detailed that under the RAM-G Act, gram panchayats will be responsible for creating development plans, allowing villagers to choose the projects they want to undertake. He noted, “Prime Minister Modi has decided that laborers will get wages and villages will see comprehensive development.” Direct funding to villages aims to improve infrastructure such as roads, drains, schools, and panchayat buildings.

The minister also assured that the funds would be safeguarded against corruption. He pledged that if wages are delayed, interest would be paid to laborers, and administrative costs would rise from 6 percent to 9 percent.

Chouhan mentioned that the scheme includes provisions for suspending work during crucial farming seasons, such as sowing and harvesting when labor is most needed in the fields. He dismissed criticism from the Congress regarding the new law, asserting that the party’s previous allegations of vote theft were unfounded.

New Laws to Protect Farmers

In addition, Chouhan announced plans for two new laws aimed at protecting farmers from fraudulent practices. These would address issues related to seeds and pesticides, instituting penalties for those who sell substandard or counterfeit products. “Those indulging in dishonesty will face strict punishment so that no one can sell fake or inferior products,” he stated.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also addressed the gathering, supporting Chouhan’s vision for rural development. The announcements mark a significant push towards enhancing agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods in rural areas across India.

With these initiatives, the government aims to empower local communities and ensure that development funds are utilized effectively, ensuring a brighter future for rural India.