Villagers boycott gram sabha in Erode over VB-G RAM G Act

Opposing officials’ refusal to include their demand in the agenda seeking the immediate withdrawal of the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, residents of Shenbagapudur panchayat in Sathyamangalam taluk boycotted the gram sabha meeting held on Monday (January 26, 2026).

The workers submitted a petition demanding the withdrawal of the Act and adoption of a resolution to that effect. When officials declined to take up the issue, villagers staged a walkout and later assembled in front of the panchayat office, raising slogans against the authorities.

In the petition, the workers said the MGNREGS, enacted in 2005, guarantees 100 days of employment to rural labourers and has, over two decades, created community assets worth several crores, reduced distress migration, improved groundwater levels and ensured dignified livelihoods. They alleged that the new Act would dilute these rights, reduce workers to beneficiaries at the discretion of the government, and violate federal principles by shifting 40% of the financial burden to the States.

As the protest continued for over two hours, Sathyamangalam Block Development Officer Arthanari and Police Inspector Ilango held talks with the workers and urged them to participate in the meeting. The talks, however, failed, and the protesters dispersed after reiterating their boycott.

More than 100 workers, including Tamil Nadu Agricultural Labourers Union office-bearers S.C. Natraj, took part in the protest, which caused tension in the area for nearly three hours.