G RAM G Scheme: ‘125 Days of Work Is Just a Hoax,’ Chidambaram Slams President’s Budget Address

New Delhi: Congress leader P. Chidambaram strongly criticized a claim made during President Droupadi Murmu’s budget session address regarding the “Developed India – G RAM G Act”, under which rural households are promised 125 days of guaranteed employment. Chidambaram termed the claim a “misleading promise”, arguing that it is not a true guarantee but an illusion.

Chidambaram Questions Feasibility

President Murmu had stated in her address that the implementation of the G RAM G Act would ensure 125 days of work for rural households. Responding on social media, Chidambaram said, “While the President announced 125 days of guaranteed employment in villages under the Developed India – G RAM G Act, this is simply not correct.”

He pointed out that under MGNREGA in recent years, a typical family received only about 50 days of work on average, not due to a lack of demand, but because the government did not allocate sufficient funds. “How can the average suddenly jump from 50 days to 125 days?” he questioned.

Calls the Promise a Hoax

Chidambaram further asked, “Will the government provide 2.5 times more funds in 2024-25 and 2025-26? The ‘125-day’ promise is not a guarantee; it is a deception. Why limit it to 125 days? The government could, in principle, provide employment for 365 days a year.”

Sparks Broader Debate

The controversy has ignited a wider debate on the effectiveness of government schemes and rural employment in India. Opposition parties have accused the government of failing to deliver on employment promises, while the government maintains that its new initiatives aim to improve the situation. The issue is expected to dominate discussions in the ongoing budget session.