Hyderabad: Telangana govt which is opposing VBG Ram G scheme in the present form, has decided to hold consultation with the chief ministers of non-BJP ruled states especially Karnataka and Kerala states to assess whether the two states would be willing to pursue a common legal strategy or other coordinated measures to protect the powers and financial interests of the states.The cabinet sub-committee examining the VBG Ram G scheme, led by irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, and other ministers Danasari Anasuya Seethakka, who attended in person and other ministers Thummala Nageswara Rao and G. Vivek Venkataswamy participated virtually, discussed the scheme in secretariat on Saturday. The meeting decided to explore coordinated legal and political action. A final decision will be taken by the Telangana cabinet on July 2.The committee held detailed discussions on whether Telangana should challenge the legislation in the Supreme Court instead of implementing it in line with the Centre’s guidelines.The cabinet panel received suggestions from the representatives of nearly 20 civil society organizations. The civil societies also sounded critical of the Centre introducing sweeping changes without consulting state govts. They described the move as a violation of cooperative federalism, saying employment guarantee programmes directly affect State finances, rural livelihoods and local implementation.The organisations urged the Telangana govt to enact its own employment guarantee law under the Constitution instead of simply adopting the proposed central framework, which they estimated could cost the state govt nearly Rs 2,500 crore. They also warned that the proposed changes could reduce employment opportunities for thousands of agricultural labourers.Civil society representatives opposed the proposal to limit employment to 60 days and demanded that Telangana guarantee at least 200 days of wage employment every year, along with payment of statutory minimum wages. A major part of the discussion focused on the proposed 60:40 funding pattern between the Centre and the states. The committee decided that the Law department should thoroughly examine the issue before any final decision is taken.Members also criticised the Centre’s proposed allocation formula, arguing that it would penalise better-performing States while rewarding poorer performers. They noted that Telangana had already submitted suggestions to the Centre seeking changes to the formula, but expressed disappointment that these recommendations were reportedly ignored.The sub-committee felt that the wider political and administrative implications of the proposed legislation had not yet been adequately communicated to the public. The committee decided to place the issue before the state cabinet on July 2. The cabinet is expected to take a final decision on whether Telangana should adopt the Central framework, enact its own legislation, approach the Supreme Court, or pursue a combination of legal and administrative measures.ends/
