Hyderabad: The Telangana govt, which is opposing the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, or VB-G RAM G scheme in its present form, has decided to hold consultations with the chief ministers of non-BJP-ruled states, particularly Karnataka and Kerala, to assess whether they are 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 VB-G Ram G scheme, led by Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, met at the secretariat on Saturday. Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) attended the meeting in person, while ministers Thummala Nageswara Rao and G Vivek Venkataswamy participated virtually. The committee decided to explore coordinated legal and political action. The Telangana cabinet will take a final decision on July 2.The committee held detailed discussions on whether Telangana should challenge the legislation in the Supreme Court rather than implementing it in line with the Centre’s guidelines.The cabinet panel also received suggestions from representatives of nearly 20 civil society organisations, who criticised the Centre for introducing sweeping changes without consulting state govts. They described the move as a violation of cooperative federalism, arguing that 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 adopting the proposed central framework, which they estimated could cost the state govt nearly ₹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 each 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-performing ones. They noted that Telangana had already submitted suggestions to the Centre seeking changes to the formula but expressed disappointment that these recommendations had reportedly been ignored.The sub-committee felt that the wider political and administrative implications of the proposed legislation had not been adequately communicated to the public. It 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.
