In Karnataka, employment generation under the VB-G RAM G scheme, launched in July 2025, has yet to match the scale of jobs created under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during the same period. According to official data, MGNREGA generated 61.48 lakh person-days of employment in July 2025 and 36.15 lakh person-days in August 2025. In contrast, VB-G RAM G reported 17.98 lakh person-days in July and 26.27 lakh person-days in August, reflecting a substantial gap in employment output.
Sources indicate that VB-G RAM G, a state-specific initiative aimed at rural infrastructure development, has faced challenges in scaling operations. Officials attribute the shortfall to delayed project clearances, limited workforce mobilization, and logistical hurdles in remote areas. “The scheme is in its nascent phase, and efforts are underway to address bottlenecks,” said a Karnataka Rural Development Department official, who requested anonymity.
The disparity highlights ongoing debates about the efficacy of new employment schemes in regions where MGNREGA remains a cornerstone of rural livelihoods. While VB-G RAM G focuses on skill development and agro-industrial projects, critics argue its implementation lacks the administrative maturity of MGNREGA, which has operated for over two decades.
Karnataka has prioritized VB-G RAM G as part of its 2025-26 budgetary allocations, with a target of creating 10 lakh person-days of employment annually. However, progress remains uneven across districts. Districts like Ballari and Chitradurga reported lower participation rates, citing awareness gaps and transportation issues for workers.
Civil society groups have called for transparent monitoring of VB-G RAM G’s implementation. “Accountability mechanisms must ensure funds are directed toward tangible outcomes, not just paperwork,” stated a representative from a rural advocacy organization.
The state government has not yet responded to requests for data on VB-G RAM G’s long-term goals or comparative performance metrics. Analysts caution that sustained underperformance could undermine public trust in new welfare programs, particularly in states where MGNREGA has established a legacy of reliability.
Sources: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/in-karnataka-employment-generation-under-vb-g-ram-g-yet-to-pick-up/article71380795.ece
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Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
