TNI Bureau: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that the newly passed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (VBG Rojgar Mission) Bill aims to lay a strong foundation for a developed India by 2047, while ensuring transparent and effective rural employment.

Addressing a press conference at the state party office, the Chief Minister said the Bill, passed by Parliament under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to correct the structural weaknesses and corruption associated with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Majhi alleged that while MGNREGA carried Mahatma Gandhi’s name, its core structure was never reformed and was used by previous governments for political gain. He claimed the scheme failed to provide assured employment, suffered from widespread corruption in several states, and did not ensure timely or adequate wages. Citing instances, he referred to alleged irregularities in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, including a 2012 case in Sambalpur where wages were reportedly drawn in the names of deceased and ineligible beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister said the new VBG Rojgar Mission Bill guarantees 125 days of employment per rural household, an increase from the earlier 100-day provision. Wages will be transferred directly to workers’ accounts to prevent leakages. “More working days will mean higher income and greater security for rural workers,” he said.

Majhi explained that the new law integrates technology such as AI, GPS and mobile-based monitoring to enhance transparency and accountability. If employment is not provided within 15 days of demand, payment of unemployment allowance has been made mandatory.

He said the scheme focuses on four priority areas:

Water conservation and water-related works

Strengthening basic rural infrastructure

Expanding livelihood opportunities

Preparedness for climate-related challenges

To protect farmers’ interests, work under the scheme will remain suspended for up to 60 days during peak sowing and harvesting seasons, preventing labour shortages in agriculture and curbing false claims during these periods.

On funding, Majhi said the Centre will bear 60% of the cost and states 40%, while northeastern states will have a 90:10 ratio and Union Territories will receive 100% central funding. This, he said, will strengthen Centre-state coordination and shared responsibility.

“The objective is not to use Mahatma Gandhi’s name for politics, but to truly realise his vision of Gram Swaraj through meaningful employment and sustainable rural development,” the Chief Minister said.

The press conference was attended by BJP Odisha president Manmohan Samal, Ministers Ravi Narayan Nayak, Dr Mukesh Mahaling and Nityanand Gond, government deputy chief whip Gobinda Das, MLAs Babu Singh and Ashrit Pattnaik, and state general secretary Sarada Prasad Satapathy.