August 18, 2026

Ritabrata Banerjee to continue as the LoP in the West Bengal Assembly. NEW DELHI: Ritabrata Banerjee will continue as the leader of opposition in the West Bengal Assembly for now as the Calcutta high court division bench on Tuesday declined to disturb his appointment at the current stage.The bench of Justices Shampa Sarkar and Ajay Kumar Gupta directed that the challenge to his appointment be decided by a single judge within two months.The case was filed by Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, a TMC MLA from the Mamata Banerjee camp, who had challenged assembly speaker Rathindra Bose’s decision to appoint Ritabrata Banerjee as the leader of opposition.The division bench’s order means that Banerjee will remain in the post until the single bench decides Chattopadhyay’s petition.Chattopadhyay had approached the high court after the Speaker rejected his claim to the post and appointed Ritabrata Banerjee instead.The matter had earlier come before a single bench, which on June 18 declined to grant any interim relief against the speaker’s decision. Chattopadhyay then challenged that order before the division bench.The division bench has now directed the single bench to hear the challenge to the speaker’s decision and reach a decision within two months. Until then, Ritabrata Banerjee will continue as leader of opposition.Ritabrata, Sandipan Saha (who is now deputy LoP), and several other rebel MLAs backing BJP-led NDA have alleged their signatures were forged on a May 6 letter sent to the assembly speaker proposing Sobhandeb’s name as LoP – a case making headlines as “signgate” and being investigated by Bengal police CID.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSandipan called high court’s refusal to intervene a “moral victory”. “Ritabrata and I had initiated this fight. We brought the alleged signature irregularities in TMC’s letter to the speaker’s notice. The issue then went to court. Today’s victory in HC confirms that law is on our side,” he said.High court’s refusal to hit pause has left Ritabrata firmly in the saddle for now, but courtroom battles and political trench warfare inside TMC show few signs of easing. “Of 80 Trinamool MLAs, 65 are with us. Of the remaining 15, one is in jail. For the time being, 14 are on the other side. Let us wait and watch,” Ritabrata said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Join Republican Party’: Union Minister’s Big NDA Offer To CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke30,000 Protesters, 5,000 Cops: Delhi Police Defends Force Before Supreme Court In Protest CaseSIT Gives Clean Chit To Champat Rai & Anil Mishra In Ayodhya Probe, Submits Final Report | WatchVijay Apologises In Assembly After Karunanidhi Remark Sparks DMK Uproar Over Decorum BreachCriminal Cases Against Netas: 4,192 Trials Pending, 170 Lok Sabha MPs Face Serious ChargesJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row123Photostories‘Kantara’ star Rishab Shetty wore a black kurta and silk dhoti with a Gandaberunda motif, for a look fullof regal drama at Melbourne9 Simple daily remedies to enhance the power of your planetsHow to peel garlic quickly: 7 easy ways to remove garlic skin without sticky fingersRhea Chakraborty’s new luxurious home: A dreamy closet, French windows and moreBest time to oil your hair for growth: Morning, night, or before a wash? The truth is finally outSmoking, vaping, or heated tobacco: Which is worse? US-based dentist compares the three7 common non-venomous snakes found around the worldAditi Rao Hydari’s two iconic festive ensembles just made everyone else look underpreparedYou may feel completely fine, but these 6 everyday habits could be hurting your kidneysClassic Kasavu to rich Kanjeevaram:5 South Indian sarees to wear for Onam 2026123Hot PicksArshdeep Singh DangBank holidays this weekBihar STET 2026BJP new teamJharkhand ProtestJSSC-CGL exam cancelledAbhijeet DipkeSupreme Court HolidayTwisha SharmaTop TrendingTwisha SharmaDelhi Draft PollMadhya Pradesh AccidentKolkata Airport Building FireAbhijeet DipkeKiren RijijuBengaluru Double MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
Ritabrata Banerjee to continue as the LoP in the West Bengal Assembly. NEW DELHI: Ritabrata Banerjee will continue as the leader of opposition in the West Bengal Assembly for now as the Calcutta high court division bench on Tuesday declined to disturb his appointment at the current stage.The bench of Justices Shampa Sarkar and Ajay Kumar Gupta directed that the challenge to his appointment be decided by a single judge within two months.The case was filed by Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, a TMC MLA from the Mamata Banerjee camp, who had challenged assembly speaker Rathindra Bose’s decision to appoint Ritabrata Banerjee as the leader of opposition.The division bench’s order means that Banerjee will remain in the post until the single bench decides Chattopadhyay’s petition.Chattopadhyay had approached the high court after the Speaker rejected his claim to the post and appointed Ritabrata Banerjee instead.The matter had earlier come before a single bench, which on June 18 declined to grant any interim relief against the speaker’s decision. Chattopadhyay then challenged that order before the division bench.The division bench has now directed the single bench to hear the challenge to the speaker’s decision and reach a decision within two months. Until then, Ritabrata Banerjee will continue as leader of opposition.Ritabrata, Sandipan Saha (who is now deputy LoP), and several other rebel MLAs backing BJP-led NDA have alleged their signatures were forged on a May 6 letter sent to the assembly speaker proposing Sobhandeb’s name as LoP – a case making headlines as “signgate” and being investigated by Bengal police CID.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSandipan called high court’s refusal to intervene a “moral victory”. “Ritabrata and I had initiated this fight. We brought the alleged signature irregularities in TMC’s letter to the speaker’s notice. The issue then went to court. Today’s victory in HC confirms that law is on our side,” he said.High court’s refusal to hit pause has left Ritabrata firmly in the saddle for now, but courtroom battles and political trench warfare inside TMC show few signs of easing. “Of 80 Trinamool MLAs, 65 are with us. Of the remaining 15, one is in jail. For the time being, 14 are on the other side. Let us wait and watch,” Ritabrata said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Join Republican Party’: Union Minister’s Big NDA Offer To CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke30,000 Protesters, 5,000 Cops: Delhi Police Defends Force Before Supreme Court In Protest CaseSIT Gives Clean Chit To Champat Rai & Anil Mishra In Ayodhya Probe, Submits Final Report | WatchVijay Apologises In Assembly After Karunanidhi Remark Sparks DMK Uproar Over Decorum BreachCriminal Cases Against Netas: 4,192 Trials Pending, 170 Lok Sabha MPs Face Serious ChargesJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row123Photostories‘Kantara’ star Rishab Shetty wore a black kurta and silk dhoti with a Gandaberunda motif, for a look fullof regal drama at Melbourne9 Simple daily remedies to enhance the power of your planetsHow to peel garlic quickly: 7 easy ways to remove garlic skin without sticky fingersRhea Chakraborty’s new luxurious home: A dreamy closet, French windows and moreBest time to oil your hair for growth: Morning, night, or before a wash? The truth is finally outSmoking, vaping, or heated tobacco: Which is worse? US-based dentist compares the three7 common non-venomous snakes found around the worldAditi Rao Hydari’s two iconic festive ensembles just made everyone else look underpreparedYou may feel completely fine, but these 6 everyday habits could be hurting your kidneysClassic Kasavu to rich Kanjeevaram:5 South Indian sarees to wear for Onam 2026123Hot PicksArshdeep Singh DangBank holidays this weekBihar STET 2026BJP new teamJharkhand ProtestJSSC-CGL exam cancelledAbhijeet DipkeSupreme Court HolidayTwisha SharmaTop TrendingTwisha SharmaDelhi Draft PollMadhya Pradesh AccidentKolkata Airport Building FireAbhijeet DipkeKiren RijijuBengaluru Double MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir


Ritabrata Banerjee to remain Bengal LoP till decision on plea within 2 months, says HC
Ritabrata Banerjee to continue as the LoP in the West Bengal Assembly.

NEW DELHI: Ritabrata Banerjee will continue as the leader of opposition in the West Bengal Assembly for now as the Calcutta high court division bench on Tuesday declined to disturb his appointment at the current stage.The bench of Justices Shampa Sarkar and Ajay Kumar Gupta directed that the challenge to his appointment be decided by a single judge within two months.The case was filed by Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, a TMC MLA from the Mamata Banerjee camp, who had challenged assembly speaker Rathindra Bose’s decision to appoint Ritabrata Banerjee as the leader of opposition.The division bench’s order means that Banerjee will remain in the post until the single bench decides Chattopadhyay’s petition.Chattopadhyay had approached the high court after the Speaker rejected his claim to the post and appointed Ritabrata Banerjee instead.The matter had earlier come before a single bench, which on June 18 declined to grant any interim relief against the speaker’s decision. Chattopadhyay then challenged that order before the division bench.The division bench has now directed the single bench to hear the challenge to the speaker’s decision and reach a decision within two months. Until then, Ritabrata Banerjee will continue as leader of opposition.Ritabrata, Sandipan Saha (who is now deputy LoP), and several other rebel MLAs backing BJP-led NDA have alleged their signatures were forged on a May 6 letter sent to the assembly speaker proposing Sobhandeb’s name as LoP – a case making headlines as “signgate” and being investigated by Bengal police CID.

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Mallikarjun Kharge also referred to Congress’s historical role in deciding which national songs would be adopted. NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday defended the version of Vande Mataram sung at the party’s Independence Day programme, saying it was the same version historically sung by Congress leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.Kharge said that if singing that version was considered an offence, the government should also register cases against the late leaders. He also referred to Congress’s historical role in deciding which national songs would be adopted.”I sang the same ‘Vande Mataram’ that Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru sang. If singing it is a crime, then they have been committing that crime for the past 18 years. If this is a crime, then file a case against Gandhi ji. If this is a crime, file one against Nehru ji. If this is a crime, then against Vallabhbhai Patel. They are unaware of the fact that, even before they were born, Congress had passed a resolution determining which national songs to adopt for the country. It is not the case that whatever you say becomes the national standard. Tomorrow, another government might come to power; if they say something, that becomes the rule. We have simply continued the practice that has been in place for 90 years,” he told news agency ANI.The BJP had criticised the Congress after a video from the party headquarters showed Kharge and Sonia Gandhi speaking while Vande Mataram was being performed during the August 15 Independence Day programme. The BJP accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting the national song and sought an apology.The issue remained part of the political discourse in Goa as well. At a Pradesh Congress Committee programme on Monday attended by Kharge, two stanzas of Vande Mataram were sung.Kharge questions BJP, RSS freedom struggle roleKharge also targeted the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during a public rally in South Goa. He questioned their contribution to India’s freedom movement and accused them of being “anti-India” and “anti-religion.”He also referred to repeated BJP attacks on the Gandhi family and contrasted his political experience with that of Union home minister Amit Shah, saying he had become an MLA before Shah was born.Kharge further accused the ruling party in Goa of “kidnapping” MLAs to form the government.Congress turns focus to 2027 Goa pollsDuring his visit, Kharge met Goa Pradesh Congress Committee leaders as the party began preparing for the 2027 Assembly elections.He said he had spoken to Congress leaders about maintaining unity ahead of the polls and expressed confidence in the party workers.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”I called all our leaders and spoke with them; I emphasized that we must fight the upcoming election unitedly. They assured me that they would stand together and win this time. Subsequently, I met with representatives from various sections of society, listened to their concerns, and engaged with them. I am happy that the Congress leaders here are working together with courage, despite the local government’s attempts to intimidate and suppress us–tactics that will not succeed. In a democracy, when a government comes to power, it should act responsibly; when another government takes over, it too must operate within the rules. Our people will certainly do what is necessary to win the election peacefully,” Kharge said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Join Republican Party’: Union Minister’s Big NDA Offer To CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke30,000 Protesters, 5,000 Cops: Delhi Police Defends Force Before Supreme Court In Protest CaseSIT Gives Clean Chit To Champat Rai & Anil Mishra In Ayodhya Probe, Submits Final Report | WatchVijay Apologises In Assembly After Karunanidhi Remark Sparks DMK Uproar Over Decorum BreachCriminal Cases Against Netas: 4,192 Trials Pending, 170 Lok Sabha MPs Face Serious ChargesJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row123Photostories‘Kantara’ star Rishab Shetty wore a black kurta and silk dhoti with a Gandaberunda motif, for a look fullof regal drama at Melbourne9 Simple daily remedies to enhance the power of your planetsHow to peel garlic quickly: 7 easy ways to remove garlic skin without sticky fingersRhea Chakraborty’s new luxurious home: A dreamy closet, French windows and moreBest time to oil your hair for growth: Morning, night, or before a wash? The truth is finally outSmoking, vaping, or heated tobacco: Which is worse? US-based dentist compares the three7 common non-venomous snakes found around the worldAditi Rao Hydari’s two iconic festive ensembles just made everyone else look underpreparedYou may feel completely fine, but these 6 everyday habits could be hurting your kidneysClassic Kasavu to rich Kanjeevaram:5 South Indian sarees to wear for Onam 2026123Hot PicksArshdeep Singh DangBank holidays this weekBihar STET 2026BJP new teamJharkhand ProtestJSSC-CGL exam cancelledAbhijeet DipkeSupreme Court HolidayTwisha SharmaTop TrendingTwisha SharmaDelhi Draft PollMadhya Pradesh AccidentKolkata Airport Building FireAbhijeet DipkeKiren RijijuBengaluru Double MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir

Mallikarjun Kharge also referred to Congress’s historical role in deciding which national songs would be adopted. NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday defended the version of Vande Mataram sung at the party’s Independence Day programme, saying it was the same version historically sung by Congress leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.Kharge said that if singing that version was considered an offence, the government should also register cases against the late leaders. He also referred to Congress’s historical role in deciding which national songs would be adopted.”I sang the same ‘Vande Mataram’ that Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru sang. If singing it is a crime, then they have been committing that crime for the past 18 years. If this is a crime, then file a case against Gandhi ji. If this is a crime, file one against Nehru ji. If this is a crime, then against Vallabhbhai Patel. They are unaware of the fact that, even before they were born, Congress had passed a resolution determining which national songs to adopt for the country. It is not the case that whatever you say becomes the national standard. Tomorrow, another government might come to power; if they say something, that becomes the rule. We have simply continued the practice that has been in place for 90 years,” he told news agency ANI.The BJP had criticised the Congress after a video from the party headquarters showed Kharge and Sonia Gandhi speaking while Vande Mataram was being performed during the August 15 Independence Day programme. The BJP accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting the national song and sought an apology.The issue remained part of the political discourse in Goa as well. At a Pradesh Congress Committee programme on Monday attended by Kharge, two stanzas of Vande Mataram were sung.Kharge questions BJP, RSS freedom struggle roleKharge also targeted the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during a public rally in South Goa. He questioned their contribution to India’s freedom movement and accused them of being “anti-India” and “anti-religion.”He also referred to repeated BJP attacks on the Gandhi family and contrasted his political experience with that of Union home minister Amit Shah, saying he had become an MLA before Shah was born.Kharge further accused the ruling party in Goa of “kidnapping” MLAs to form the government.Congress turns focus to 2027 Goa pollsDuring his visit, Kharge met Goa Pradesh Congress Committee leaders as the party began preparing for the 2027 Assembly elections.He said he had spoken to Congress leaders about maintaining unity ahead of the polls and expressed confidence in the party workers.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”I called all our leaders and spoke with them; I emphasized that we must fight the upcoming election unitedly. They assured me that they would stand together and win this time. Subsequently, I met with representatives from various sections of society, listened to their concerns, and engaged with them. I am happy that the Congress leaders here are working together with courage, despite the local government’s attempts to intimidate and suppress us–tactics that will not succeed. In a democracy, when a government comes to power, it should act responsibly; when another government takes over, it too must operate within the rules. Our people will certainly do what is necessary to win the election peacefully,” Kharge said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Join Republican Party’: Union Minister’s Big NDA Offer To CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke30,000 Protesters, 5,000 Cops: Delhi Police Defends Force Before Supreme Court In Protest CaseSIT Gives Clean Chit To Champat Rai & Anil Mishra In Ayodhya Probe, Submits Final Report | WatchVijay Apologises In Assembly After Karunanidhi Remark Sparks DMK Uproar Over Decorum BreachCriminal Cases Against Netas: 4,192 Trials Pending, 170 Lok Sabha MPs Face Serious ChargesJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row123Photostories‘Kantara’ star Rishab Shetty wore a black kurta and silk dhoti with a Gandaberunda motif, for a look fullof regal drama at Melbourne9 Simple daily remedies to enhance the power of your planetsHow to peel garlic quickly: 7 easy ways to remove garlic skin without sticky fingersRhea Chakraborty’s new luxurious home: A dreamy closet, French windows and moreBest time to oil your hair for growth: Morning, night, or before a wash? The truth is finally outSmoking, vaping, or heated tobacco: Which is worse? US-based dentist compares the three7 common non-venomous snakes found around the worldAditi Rao Hydari’s two iconic festive ensembles just made everyone else look underpreparedYou may feel completely fine, but these 6 everyday habits could be hurting your kidneysClassic Kasavu to rich Kanjeevaram:5 South Indian sarees to wear for Onam 2026123Hot PicksArshdeep Singh DangBank holidays this weekBihar STET 2026BJP new teamJharkhand ProtestJSSC-CGL exam cancelledAbhijeet DipkeSupreme Court HolidayTwisha SharmaTop TrendingTwisha SharmaDelhi Draft PollMadhya Pradesh AccidentKolkata Airport Building FireAbhijeet DipkeKiren RijijuBengaluru Double MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir

Vamsikrishna 0
Rahul said he had personally met some of the injured protesters and alleged that videos of the police action had been widely circulated. NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hit out at parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju after he defended the handling of recent student protests by Delhi police. Rijiju had praised the Delhi Police for managing large student demonstrations without any deaths or serious injuries.“Not a single person was harmed; not a single person suffered a broken bone. Not even one protester is in the hospital with a serious injury. Consider the scale of this movement: thousands turned up, and so many criminals infiltrated under the guise of students,” Rijiju said.Responding on X, Rahul accused the government of ignoring injuries suffered during the protests and questioned Rijiju’s call to praise the police.“Ministers of the Modi government are saying that “the Delhi Police should be praised.” Half a kilometer from Parliament, pellet guns were fired at peaceful students, lathis studded with nails were used, one child’s eye was lost, one girl’s ear was severed. Should we praise this brutality?” the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha wrote.Rahul said he had personally met some of the injured protesters and alleged that videos of the police action had been widely circulated.“The fundamental mantra of this government is untruth and violence. First, beat the children with lathis, then claim that nothing happened at all,” he said.He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over their response to the protests.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“Throughout the entire session, the “missing” Amit Shah kept running from the opposition. And the Prime Minister has not apologized to the students to this day,” Rahul wrote.Rijiju, meanwhile, said the government remained committed to protecting students’ interests and promised strict action against those responsible for examination leaks.He also claimed that political groups, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Bhim Army and Samajwadi Party, had joined the demonstrations and incited violence.“Furthermore, more than half the people, whether from the Aam Aadmi Party, the dafli-playing agitators, the Bhim Army, or the Samajwadi Party, came and incited others to violence; yet, not a single casualty occurred,” he said.“We respect the students’ sentiments. The Prime Minister introduced such a good law and took step after step, promising to work for their future,” he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Join Republican Party’: Union Minister’s Big NDA Offer To CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke30,000 Protesters, 5,000 Cops: Delhi Police Defends Force Before Supreme Court In Protest CaseSIT Gives Clean Chit To Champat Rai & Anil Mishra In Ayodhya Probe, Submits Final Report | WatchVijay Apologises In Assembly After Karunanidhi Remark Sparks DMK Uproar Over Decorum BreachCriminal Cases Against Netas: 4,192 Trials Pending, 170 Lok Sabha MPs Face Serious ChargesJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row123Photostories‘Kantara’ star Rishab Shetty wore a black kurta and silk dhoti with a Gandaberunda motif, for a look fullof regal drama at Melbourne9 Simple daily remedies to enhance the power of your planetsHow to peel garlic quickly: 7 easy ways to remove garlic skin without sticky fingersRhea Chakraborty’s new luxurious home: A dreamy closet, French windows and moreBest time to oil your hair for growth: Morning, night, or before a wash? The truth is finally outSmoking, vaping, or heated tobacco: Which is worse? US-based dentist compares the three7 common non-venomous snakes found around the worldAditi Rao Hydari’s two iconic festive ensembles just made everyone else look underpreparedYou may feel completely fine, but these 6 everyday habits could be hurting your kidneysClassic Kasavu to rich Kanjeevaram:5 South Indian sarees to wear for Onam 2026123Hot PicksArshdeep Singh DangBank holidays this weekBihar STET 2026BJP new teamJharkhand ProtestJSSC-CGL exam cancelledAbhijeet DipkeSupreme Court HolidayTwisha SharmaTop TrendingTwisha SharmaDelhi Draft PollMadhya Pradesh AccidentKolkata Airport Building FireAbhijeet DipkeKiren RijijuBengaluru Double MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir

Rahul said he had personally met some of the injured protesters and alleged that videos of the police action had been widely circulated. NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hit out at parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju after he defended the handling of recent student protests by Delhi police. Rijiju had praised the Delhi Police for managing large student demonstrations without any deaths or serious injuries.“Not a single person was harmed; not a single person suffered a broken bone. Not even one protester is in the hospital with a serious injury. Consider the scale of this movement: thousands turned up, and so many criminals infiltrated under the guise of students,” Rijiju said.Responding on X, Rahul accused the government of ignoring injuries suffered during the protests and questioned Rijiju’s call to praise the police.“Ministers of the Modi government are saying that “the Delhi Police should be praised.” Half a kilometer from Parliament, pellet guns were fired at peaceful students, lathis studded with nails were used, one child’s eye was lost, one girl’s ear was severed. Should we praise this brutality?” the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha wrote.Rahul said he had personally met some of the injured protesters and alleged that videos of the police action had been widely circulated.“The fundamental mantra of this government is untruth and violence. First, beat the children with lathis, then claim that nothing happened at all,” he said.He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over their response to the protests.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“Throughout the entire session, the “missing” Amit Shah kept running from the opposition. And the Prime Minister has not apologized to the students to this day,” Rahul wrote.Rijiju, meanwhile, said the government remained committed to protecting students’ interests and promised strict action against those responsible for examination leaks.He also claimed that political groups, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Bhim Army and Samajwadi Party, had joined the demonstrations and incited violence.“Furthermore, more than half the people, whether from the Aam Aadmi Party, the dafli-playing agitators, the Bhim Army, or the Samajwadi Party, came and incited others to violence; yet, not a single casualty occurred,” he said.“We respect the students’ sentiments. The Prime Minister introduced such a good law and took step after step, promising to work for their future,” he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Join Republican Party’: Union Minister’s Big NDA Offer To CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke30,000 Protesters, 5,000 Cops: Delhi Police Defends Force Before Supreme Court In Protest CaseSIT Gives Clean Chit To Champat Rai & Anil Mishra In Ayodhya Probe, Submits Final Report | WatchVijay Apologises In Assembly After Karunanidhi Remark Sparks DMK Uproar Over Decorum BreachCriminal Cases Against Netas: 4,192 Trials Pending, 170 Lok Sabha MPs Face Serious ChargesJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row123Photostories‘Kantara’ star Rishab Shetty wore a black kurta and silk dhoti with a Gandaberunda motif, for a look fullof regal drama at Melbourne9 Simple daily remedies to enhance the power of your planetsHow to peel garlic quickly: 7 easy ways to remove garlic skin without sticky fingersRhea Chakraborty’s new luxurious home: A dreamy closet, French windows and moreBest time to oil your hair for growth: Morning, night, or before a wash? The truth is finally outSmoking, vaping, or heated tobacco: Which is worse? US-based dentist compares the three7 common non-venomous snakes found around the worldAditi Rao Hydari’s two iconic festive ensembles just made everyone else look underpreparedYou may feel completely fine, but these 6 everyday habits could be hurting your kidneysClassic Kasavu to rich Kanjeevaram:5 South Indian sarees to wear for Onam 2026123Hot PicksArshdeep Singh DangBank holidays this weekBihar STET 2026BJP new teamJharkhand ProtestJSSC-CGL exam cancelledAbhijeet DipkeSupreme Court HolidayTwisha SharmaTop TrendingTwisha SharmaDelhi Draft PollMadhya Pradesh AccidentKolkata Airport Building FireAbhijeet DipkeKiren RijijuBengaluru Double MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir

Vamsikrishna 0
Pakistan SC directs govt to move Imran Khan, while a grenade blast near Kabul school injures around 50 children. Meanwhile, Bihar transfers 17 IPS officers amid row over student protest (Photo: AP/IANS) Pakistan’s Supreme Court has directed the government to move imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan to a hospital amid concerns over his health.The Supreme Court has refused to scrap hanging as the method of executing the death penalty, while saying the issue can be reconsidered if new scientific or medical evidence shows another method causes less pain.The Bihar government has transferred 17 senior IPS officers amid controversy over police action during a student protest in Siwan.A hand grenade explosion near a school in Kabul’s Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood injured several children, with local media reports putting the number at around 50.Rishabh Pant became the first Indian cricketer to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket during India’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.Here are the top 5 stories of the day’Move Imran Khan to hospital’: Pakistan Supreme Court directs govt amid ex-PM’s health concernsPakistan’s Supreme Court has directed the government to transfer former prime minister Imran Khan from prison to a hospital amid concerns over his health. The direction came after appeals from Khan’s political party and family members seeking medical attention for him. The court’s order requires authorities to ensure that Khan receives medical care while he remains in custody. Read full storyDeath penalty by lethal injection, shooting or electrocution instead of hanging? SC rejects pleaThe Supreme Court has rejected a plea seeking to replace hanging as the method of carrying out the death penalty with alternatives including lethal injection, shooting or electrocution. The court, however, left room for the issue to be reconsidered if new scientific or medical evidence establishes that another method is less painful and more humane. The court also said the central government could constitute an expert panel to examine alternative methods of execution. Read full storyBihar transfers 17 IPS officers amid row over AK-47 use during student protestThe Bihar government has transferred 17 senior IPS officers in an administrative reshuffle amid controversy over police action during student protests. The transfers include the superintendents of police of Siwan and Bhojpur districts. The controversy centres on the use of AK-47 rifles by police personnel to disperse protesting students, particularly in Siwan. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRead full storyBlast near Kabul school injures around 50 children; UN condemns ‘heinous’ actA hand grenade explosion near a school in Kabul’s Dasht-e-Barchi injured several children. Kabul police confirmed that children were among those wounded and said an investigation was underway. Local media reports put the number of injured children at around 50. The UN special rapporteur on Afghanistan condemned the incident as a “heinous” act. Read full storyRishabh Pant creates history, becomes first Indian to achieve this feat in TestsIndia’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant created history during the Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle by becoming the first Indian cricketer to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket. Pant reached the milestone with a six off Lahiru Kumara, which also brought up his 20th Test fifty. Pant became only the fourth batter in Test history to hit 100 sixes, after Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum and Adam Gilchrist. Read full storyGet the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Join Republican Party’: Union Minister’s Big NDA Offer To CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke30,000 Protesters, 5,000 Cops: Delhi Police Defends Force Before Supreme Court In Protest CaseSIT Gives Clean Chit To Champat Rai & Anil Mishra In Ayodhya Probe, Submits Final Report | WatchVijay Apologises In Assembly After Karunanidhi Remark Sparks DMK Uproar Over Decorum BreachCriminal Cases Against Netas: 4,192 Trials Pending, 170 Lok Sabha MPs Face Serious ChargesJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row123Photostories‘Kantara’ star Rishab Shetty wore a black kurta and silk dhoti with a Gandaberunda motif, for a look fullof regal drama at Melbourne9 Simple daily remedies to enhance the power of your planetsHow to peel garlic quickly: 7 easy ways to remove garlic skin without sticky fingersRhea Chakraborty’s new luxurious home: A dreamy closet, French windows and moreBest time to oil your hair for growth: Morning, night, or before a wash? The truth is finally outSmoking, vaping, or heated tobacco: Which is worse? US-based dentist compares the three7 common non-venomous snakes found around the worldAditi Rao Hydari’s two iconic festive ensembles just made everyone else look underpreparedYou may feel completely fine, but these 6 everyday habits could be hurting your kidneysClassic Kasavu to rich Kanjeevaram:5 South Indian sarees to wear for Onam 2026123Hot PicksArshdeep Singh DangBank holidays this weekBihar STET 2026BJP new teamJharkhand ProtestJSSC-CGL exam cancelledAbhijeet DipkeSupreme Court HolidayTwisha SharmaTop TrendingTwisha SharmaDelhi Draft PollMadhya Pradesh AccidentKolkata Airport Building FireAbhijeet DipkeKiren RijijuBengaluru Double MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir

Pakistan SC directs govt to move Imran Khan, while a grenade blast near Kabul school injures around 50 children. Meanwhile, Bihar transfers 17 IPS officers amid row over student protest (Photo: AP/IANS) Pakistan’s Supreme Court has directed the government to move imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan to a hospital amid concerns over his health.The Supreme Court has refused to scrap hanging as the method of executing the death penalty, while saying the issue can be reconsidered if new scientific or medical evidence shows another method causes less pain.The Bihar government has transferred 17 senior IPS officers amid controversy over police action during a student protest in Siwan.A hand grenade explosion near a school in Kabul’s Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood injured several children, with local media reports putting the number at around 50.Rishabh Pant became the first Indian cricketer to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket during India’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.Here are the top 5 stories of the day’Move Imran Khan to hospital’: Pakistan Supreme Court directs govt amid ex-PM’s health concernsPakistan’s Supreme Court has directed the government to transfer former prime minister Imran Khan from prison to a hospital amid concerns over his health. The direction came after appeals from Khan’s political party and family members seeking medical attention for him. The court’s order requires authorities to ensure that Khan receives medical care while he remains in custody. Read full storyDeath penalty by lethal injection, shooting or electrocution instead of hanging? SC rejects pleaThe Supreme Court has rejected a plea seeking to replace hanging as the method of carrying out the death penalty with alternatives including lethal injection, shooting or electrocution. The court, however, left room for the issue to be reconsidered if new scientific or medical evidence establishes that another method is less painful and more humane. The court also said the central government could constitute an expert panel to examine alternative methods of execution. Read full storyBihar transfers 17 IPS officers amid row over AK-47 use during student protestThe Bihar government has transferred 17 senior IPS officers in an administrative reshuffle amid controversy over police action during student protests. The transfers include the superintendents of police of Siwan and Bhojpur districts. The controversy centres on the use of AK-47 rifles by police personnel to disperse protesting students, particularly in Siwan. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRead full storyBlast near Kabul school injures around 50 children; UN condemns ‘heinous’ actA hand grenade explosion near a school in Kabul’s Dasht-e-Barchi injured several children. Kabul police confirmed that children were among those wounded and said an investigation was underway. Local media reports put the number of injured children at around 50. The UN special rapporteur on Afghanistan condemned the incident as a “heinous” act. Read full storyRishabh Pant creates history, becomes first Indian to achieve this feat in TestsIndia’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant created history during the Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle by becoming the first Indian cricketer to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket. Pant reached the milestone with a six off Lahiru Kumara, which also brought up his 20th Test fifty. Pant became only the fourth batter in Test history to hit 100 sixes, after Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum and Adam Gilchrist. Read full storyGet the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Join Republican Party’: Union Minister’s Big NDA Offer To CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke30,000 Protesters, 5,000 Cops: Delhi Police Defends Force Before Supreme Court In Protest CaseSIT Gives Clean Chit To Champat Rai & Anil Mishra In Ayodhya Probe, Submits Final Report | WatchVijay Apologises In Assembly After Karunanidhi Remark Sparks DMK Uproar Over Decorum BreachCriminal Cases Against Netas: 4,192 Trials Pending, 170 Lok Sabha MPs Face Serious ChargesJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row123Photostories‘Kantara’ star Rishab Shetty wore a black kurta and silk dhoti with a Gandaberunda motif, for a look fullof regal drama at Melbourne9 Simple daily remedies to enhance the power of your planetsHow to peel garlic quickly: 7 easy ways to remove garlic skin without sticky fingersRhea Chakraborty’s new luxurious home: A dreamy closet, French windows and moreBest time to oil your hair for growth: Morning, night, or before a wash? The truth is finally outSmoking, vaping, or heated tobacco: Which is worse? US-based dentist compares the three7 common non-venomous snakes found around the worldAditi Rao Hydari’s two iconic festive ensembles just made everyone else look underpreparedYou may feel completely fine, but these 6 everyday habits could be hurting your kidneysClassic Kasavu to rich Kanjeevaram:5 South Indian sarees to wear for Onam 2026123Hot PicksArshdeep Singh DangBank holidays this weekBihar STET 2026BJP new teamJharkhand ProtestJSSC-CGL exam cancelledAbhijeet DipkeSupreme Court HolidayTwisha SharmaTop TrendingTwisha SharmaDelhi Draft PollMadhya Pradesh AccidentKolkata Airport Building FireAbhijeet DipkeKiren RijijuBengaluru Double MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir

Vamsikrishna 0
File photo: MGNREGA workers at a work site (Picture credit: PTI) MGNREGA, which served as rural India’s job safety net for two decades, was repealed on July 1, 2026. In its place is the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, which raises the guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days per rural household.The new scheme has set an approved labour budget of 95.03 crore person-days. So far, 62.20 crore person-days have been generated, or 65.51% of the approved target. Of these, 16.84% have gone to Scheduled Caste workers.Government data showed that 5.20 crore person-days had been generated by July 22, with more than 99.5% of workers who demanded employment having been offered work. Subsequently, the government told Parliament that more than 9.69 crore person-days had been generated in approximately the first month of implementation.That raises the bigger question: what does VB-G RAM G change for rural employment, and how does its scale compare with the programme it replaces? With 125 days of guaranteed work, a new funding structure and a different allocation framework, the impact will be particularly significant for states that have historically relied heavily on the rural jobs programme.What will change under the new employment schemeWith VB-G RAM G, the government wants rural employment to create durable assets while linking wage work with village infrastructure, livelihoods and climate resilience. The permitted works include water-related projects, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure and projects to tackle extreme weather events.In short, the government’s pitch is simple: more days of work, better wages and more useful assets for rural India.But what does it mean for states?The biggest change states cannot ignoreThe Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, came into force across rural India on July 1, 2026. With it, MGNREGA, enacted in 2005, was repealed.Workers continue to have the right to demand work and are entitled to unemployment allowance if employment is not provided within the prescribed period. But the way the programme is funded and allocated has changed significantly.Under MGNREGA, the Centre bore the full cost of unskilled wages and 75% of material costs and wages of skilled and semi-skilled workers, while states met the remaining share along with certain other liabilities.Under VB-G RAM G, most states will have to share the cost with the Centre in a 60:40 ratio. That means states will have to put more of their own money into the programme.This is important because many of the states that have historically generated the highest number of rural employment person-days are also among the biggest beneficiaries of the new scheme.The Centre has earmarked Rs 95,692.31 crore as its share for VB-G RAM G in 2026-27, covering the nine-month period from July 1 to March 31. Including the expected state contribution, the total programme outlay is estimated to cross Rs 1.51 lakh crore.States at stake: Where the transition matters mostThe new framework retains the rural employment guarantee but changes how work is funded, allocated and planned, with major implications for states that have historically accounted for a large share of rural employment workers and person-days.Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar remain among the biggest users of the programme, according to government data. SBI Research, however, estimates that the new funding formula could significantly alter the distribution of funds among states.Under MGNREGA, the Centre bore the entire cost of unskilled wages and 75% of material and skilled or semi-skilled wage costs. Under VB-G RAM G, the ratio for most states has shifted to 60:40, while specified North-Eastern and Himalayan states and Jammu & Kashmir retain the 90:10 arrangement.The new law also allows states to notify an aggregate period of up to 60 days during the peak agricultural season when works under the programme may be paused, with the stated aim of ensuring labour availability for agriculture. The 125-day guarantee means at least 25 additional days of employment remain available outside this period compared with the earlier 100-day entitlement.Works will focus on four areas: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure and climate resilience.Another key change is the move towards normative allocation. State allocations will consider factors including rural population, work demand, number of Gram Panchayats, women’s participation, person-days generated and individual asset creation.The government has, however, maintained that the scheme continues to be demand-driven and that workers retain the statutory right to demand employment. The normative allocation relates to how the financial envelope is apportioned among states.This could reshape the flow of funds, particularly for states that have traditionally relied heavily on the rural jobs programme.UP, Maharashtra could emerge as biggest gainersAccording to an SBI Research report released in December 2025, a hypothetical exercise comparing the new normative formula with average MGNREGA allocations during FY19-FY25, excluding Covid-hit FY21, suggests that Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra could be the biggest gainers under the new framework.UP could see a notional increase of about Rs 5,568 crore, while Maharashtra could gain around Rs 4,284 crore. Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Bihar follow, with estimated gains of Rs 1,609 crore, Rs 1,336 crore and Rs 1,152 crore, respectively.What will change under the new employment schemeThe overall simulated gain for states is around Rs 16,946 crore. SBI Research says almost all states could be net gainers under the hypothetical formula, with Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu the exceptions.However, these numbers are illustrative and not final allocations, as the outcome is liable to change depending on the final criteria, weights, demand and implementation.UP: Largest potential beneficiaryUttar Pradesh has one of the country’s largest rural employment bases, and SBI Research’s simulation suggests it could emerge as the biggest beneficiary under the new framework.More than a month after the scheme came into effect on July 1, rural development department data show that 7.69 lakh households have availed themselves of employment. The state has more than 1.77 crore job card-holding households, although the two figures cannot be directly compared as a measure of unmet demand because not every job-card household necessarily seeks work in a given period.Nationwide, government data showed that more than 99.5% of workers who had demanded employment by July 22 had been offered work.The early numbers come as the Centre pitches VB-G RAM G as an upgrade over MGNREGA, with a larger budget, 125 days of guaranteed employment and greater emphasis on creating rural assets.UP’s job-card base is also significant. Of the 1.77 crore households, around 52.8 lakh are from Scheduled Caste communities, 1.78 lakh are tribal households, while about 1.22 crore belong to the general and OBC categories.For comparison, SBI Research’s FY26 data show around 49 lakh households had worked under MGNREGA in UP, while government data show more than 62 lakh people availed themselves of employment under the scheme in FY25-26.SBI Research has also argued that there was scope to improve employment generation through better spending efficiency. In its FY25 analysis, it estimated that spending levels could potentially have supported employment for around 81 lakh households in UP, compared with 65.3 lakh households actually employed.Tamil Nadu has a lot at stakeTamil Nadu is one of the largest users of the rural jobs programme. In FY26 so far, around 53 lakh households in the state had worked under MGNREGA, according to the SBI Research compilation. The state also generated around 1,274 lakh person-days during the period covered by the report.The SBI simulation puts Tamil Nadu’s notional allocation Rs 909 crore below its historical average. However, the report says that if an unusual 29% rise in allocation in FY24 is excluded, the estimated loss falls to just Rs 63 crore.Who will fund VB-G RAM GTamil Nadu’s importance is also visible in the government’s latest data. In FY25-26, 7.58 million people availed themselves of employment under MGNREGA in the state.Rajasthan, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh also remain crucialRajasthan was another major user of the rural jobs programme. About 42 lakh households had worked under MGNREGA in FY26 so far in the SBI dataset, while the state received around Rs 7,582 crore under the 2025-26 allocation.Bihar had around 46 lakh households working under MGNREGA in the SBI data and received about Rs 6,716 crore under the FY26 allocation. SBI’s hypothetical formula indicates a potential gain of around Rs 1,152 crore for the state.Andhra Pradesh is a different case. It remains one of the biggest rural jobs states, with about 41 lakh households working under MGNREGA in the SBI dataset and an FY26 allocation of around Rs 7,707 crore. But the SBI simulation shows a small potential decline of around Rs 140 crore compared with its historical average.The Centre’s financial commitment under the new scheme is also higher. SBI Research estimates that the annual requirement for wages, materials and administration under VB-G RAM G could be around Rs 1.51 lakh crore, including the state contribution. The estimated Centre share alone is around Rs 95,692 crore, about 11% higher than the Rs 86,000 crore MGNREGA budget allocation for FY26.The government has also released state-wise allocations under VB-G RAM G for FY27. The total state-wise allocation is about Rs 93,842 crore, with the Centre’s overall share, including funds for social audit and central administration, taking the figure to Rs 95,692 crore.Among the biggest state allocations are Uttar Pradesh at Rs 9,721 crore, West Bengal at Rs 8,508 crore, Andhra Pradesh at Rs 7,707 crore, Tamil Nadu at Rs 7,585 crore, Rajasthan at Rs 7,582 crore, Bihar at Rs 6,716 crore and Madhya Pradesh at Rs 6,252 crore.States pay moreThe bigger central allocation comes with a bigger financial responsibility for states. Under the new 60:40 arrangement, most states will have to fund 40% of the programme cost.SBI Research argues that concerns over widespread fiscal stress may be overstated, noting that states already had financial responsibilities under MGNREGA, including unemployment allowance, part of material costs and state-level administrative expenses. It also points out that a majority of states have borrowed below their permitted fiscal-deficit limits in recent years.Still, the shift means states will need to decide where to deploy their rural-development spending, particularly because the new scheme is expected to involve more asset creation and infrastructure-linked works.Applying for the new employment schemeMore jobs — but also more scrutinyThe biggest promise of VB-G RAM G is not simply higher spending, but better conversion of spending into employment and rural assets.SBI Research estimates that around 5.78 crore households worked under MGNREGA in FY25. Its analysis of 18 major states suggests that better spending efficiency could potentially have supported employment for more households under the old system.The new system therefore brings stronger monitoring mechanisms, including biometric authentication, spatial technology-based planning, digital monitoring, weekly public disclosure and strengthened social audits.The role of Gram Panchayats is also being expanded. They are expected to become the centre of planning, implementation and monitoring, with the idea that works can be better matched to local requirements.The bottom lineThe shift from MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G changes more than the number of guaranteed workdays. For states, the bigger questions are how funds are allocated, how much they have to contribute and what the money delivers on the ground.The new formula could reshuffle the state-wise picture, with SBI Research’s simulation pointing to Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra as potential major gainers, while Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh could see modest reductions compared with their historical averages. The final outcome, however, will depend on the criteria and weights adopted and how efficiently states use their share.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFor workers, VB-G RAM G raises the employment guarantee by 25 days, while retaining the statutory right to demand work. For the Centre and states, it introduces a different funding structure and a greater emphasis on creating durable rural assets.The comparison with MGNREGA, therefore, is not simply about whether more or fewer person-days are generated. The bigger shift lies in the scale of the guarantee, how the programme is funded and how rural employment spending is expected to translate into infrastructure and livelihood assets. How these changes play out across states will become clearer as implementation gathers pace.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Join Republican Party’: Union Minister’s Big NDA Offer To CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke30,000 Protesters, 5,000 Cops: Delhi Police Defends Force Before Supreme Court In Protest CaseSIT Gives Clean Chit To Champat Rai & Anil Mishra In Ayodhya Probe, Submits Final Report | WatchVijay Apologises In Assembly After Karunanidhi Remark Sparks DMK Uproar Over Decorum BreachCriminal Cases Against Netas: 4,192 Trials Pending, 170 Lok Sabha MPs Face Serious ChargesJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row123Photostories‘Kantara’ star Rishab Shetty wore a black kurta and silk dhoti with a Gandaberunda motif, for a look fullof regal drama at Melbourne9 Simple daily remedies to enhance the power of your planetsHow to peel garlic quickly: 7 easy ways to remove garlic skin without sticky fingersRhea Chakraborty’s new luxurious home: A dreamy closet, French windows and moreBest time to oil your hair for growth: Morning, night, or before a wash? The truth is finally outSmoking, vaping, or heated tobacco: Which is worse? US-based dentist compares the three7 common non-venomous snakes found around the worldAditi Rao Hydari’s two iconic festive ensembles just made everyone else look underpreparedYou may feel completely fine, but these 6 everyday habits could be hurting your kidneysClassic Kasavu to rich Kanjeevaram:5 South Indian sarees to wear for Onam 2026123Hot PicksArshdeep Singh DangBank holidays this weekBihar STET 2026BJP new teamJharkhand ProtestJSSC-CGL exam cancelledAbhijeet DipkeSupreme Court HolidayTwisha SharmaTop TrendingTwisha SharmaDelhi Draft PollMadhya Pradesh AccidentKolkata Airport Building FireAbhijeet DipkeKiren RijijuBengaluru Double MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir

File photo: MGNREGA workers at a work site (Picture credit: PTI) MGNREGA, which served as rural India’s job safety net for two decades, was repealed on July 1, 2026. In its place is the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, which raises the guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days per rural household.The new scheme has set an approved labour budget of 95.03 crore person-days. So far, 62.20 crore person-days have been generated, or 65.51% of the approved target. Of these, 16.84% have gone to Scheduled Caste workers.Government data showed that 5.20 crore person-days had been generated by July 22, with more than 99.5% of workers who demanded employment having been offered work. Subsequently, the government told Parliament that more than 9.69 crore person-days had been generated in approximately the first month of implementation.That raises the bigger question: what does VB-G RAM G change for rural employment, and how does its scale compare with the programme it replaces? With 125 days of guaranteed work, a new funding structure and a different allocation framework, the impact will be particularly significant for states that have historically relied heavily on the rural jobs programme.What will change under the new employment schemeWith VB-G RAM G, the government wants rural employment to create durable assets while linking wage work with village infrastructure, livelihoods and climate resilience. The permitted works include water-related projects, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure and projects to tackle extreme weather events.In short, the government’s pitch is simple: more days of work, better wages and more useful assets for rural India.But what does it mean for states?The biggest change states cannot ignoreThe Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, came into force across rural India on July 1, 2026. With it, MGNREGA, enacted in 2005, was repealed.Workers continue to have the right to demand work and are entitled to unemployment allowance if employment is not provided within the prescribed period. But the way the programme is funded and allocated has changed significantly.Under MGNREGA, the Centre bore the full cost of unskilled wages and 75% of material costs and wages of skilled and semi-skilled workers, while states met the remaining share along with certain other liabilities.Under VB-G RAM G, most states will have to share the cost with the Centre in a 60:40 ratio. That means states will have to put more of their own money into the programme.This is important because many of the states that have historically generated the highest number of rural employment person-days are also among the biggest beneficiaries of the new scheme.The Centre has earmarked Rs 95,692.31 crore as its share for VB-G RAM G in 2026-27, covering the nine-month period from July 1 to March 31. Including the expected state contribution, the total programme outlay is estimated to cross Rs 1.51 lakh crore.States at stake: Where the transition matters mostThe new framework retains the rural employment guarantee but changes how work is funded, allocated and planned, with major implications for states that have historically accounted for a large share of rural employment workers and person-days.Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar remain among the biggest users of the programme, according to government data. SBI Research, however, estimates that the new funding formula could significantly alter the distribution of funds among states.Under MGNREGA, the Centre bore the entire cost of unskilled wages and 75% of material and skilled or semi-skilled wage costs. Under VB-G RAM G, the ratio for most states has shifted to 60:40, while specified North-Eastern and Himalayan states and Jammu & Kashmir retain the 90:10 arrangement.The new law also allows states to notify an aggregate period of up to 60 days during the peak agricultural season when works under the programme may be paused, with the stated aim of ensuring labour availability for agriculture. The 125-day guarantee means at least 25 additional days of employment remain available outside this period compared with the earlier 100-day entitlement.Works will focus on four areas: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure and climate resilience.Another key change is the move towards normative allocation. State allocations will consider factors including rural population, work demand, number of Gram Panchayats, women’s participation, person-days generated and individual asset creation.The government has, however, maintained that the scheme continues to be demand-driven and that workers retain the statutory right to demand employment. The normative allocation relates to how the financial envelope is apportioned among states.This could reshape the flow of funds, particularly for states that have traditionally relied heavily on the rural jobs programme.UP, Maharashtra could emerge as biggest gainersAccording to an SBI Research report released in December 2025, a hypothetical exercise comparing the new normative formula with average MGNREGA allocations during FY19-FY25, excluding Covid-hit FY21, suggests that Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra could be the biggest gainers under the new framework.UP could see a notional increase of about Rs 5,568 crore, while Maharashtra could gain around Rs 4,284 crore. Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Bihar follow, with estimated gains of Rs 1,609 crore, Rs 1,336 crore and Rs 1,152 crore, respectively.What will change under the new employment schemeThe overall simulated gain for states is around Rs 16,946 crore. SBI Research says almost all states could be net gainers under the hypothetical formula, with Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu the exceptions.However, these numbers are illustrative and not final allocations, as the outcome is liable to change depending on the final criteria, weights, demand and implementation.UP: Largest potential beneficiaryUttar Pradesh has one of the country’s largest rural employment bases, and SBI Research’s simulation suggests it could emerge as the biggest beneficiary under the new framework.More than a month after the scheme came into effect on July 1, rural development department data show that 7.69 lakh households have availed themselves of employment. The state has more than 1.77 crore job card-holding households, although the two figures cannot be directly compared as a measure of unmet demand because not every job-card household necessarily seeks work in a given period.Nationwide, government data showed that more than 99.5% of workers who had demanded employment by July 22 had been offered work.The early numbers come as the Centre pitches VB-G RAM G as an upgrade over MGNREGA, with a larger budget, 125 days of guaranteed employment and greater emphasis on creating rural assets.UP’s job-card base is also significant. Of the 1.77 crore households, around 52.8 lakh are from Scheduled Caste communities, 1.78 lakh are tribal households, while about 1.22 crore belong to the general and OBC categories.For comparison, SBI Research’s FY26 data show around 49 lakh households had worked under MGNREGA in UP, while government data show more than 62 lakh people availed themselves of employment under the scheme in FY25-26.SBI Research has also argued that there was scope to improve employment generation through better spending efficiency. In its FY25 analysis, it estimated that spending levels could potentially have supported employment for around 81 lakh households in UP, compared with 65.3 lakh households actually employed.Tamil Nadu has a lot at stakeTamil Nadu is one of the largest users of the rural jobs programme. In FY26 so far, around 53 lakh households in the state had worked under MGNREGA, according to the SBI Research compilation. The state also generated around 1,274 lakh person-days during the period covered by the report.The SBI simulation puts Tamil Nadu’s notional allocation Rs 909 crore below its historical average. However, the report says that if an unusual 29% rise in allocation in FY24 is excluded, the estimated loss falls to just Rs 63 crore.Who will fund VB-G RAM GTamil Nadu’s importance is also visible in the government’s latest data. In FY25-26, 7.58 million people availed themselves of employment under MGNREGA in the state.Rajasthan, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh also remain crucialRajasthan was another major user of the rural jobs programme. About 42 lakh households had worked under MGNREGA in FY26 so far in the SBI dataset, while the state received around Rs 7,582 crore under the 2025-26 allocation.Bihar had around 46 lakh households working under MGNREGA in the SBI data and received about Rs 6,716 crore under the FY26 allocation. SBI’s hypothetical formula indicates a potential gain of around Rs 1,152 crore for the state.Andhra Pradesh is a different case. It remains one of the biggest rural jobs states, with about 41 lakh households working under MGNREGA in the SBI dataset and an FY26 allocation of around Rs 7,707 crore. But the SBI simulation shows a small potential decline of around Rs 140 crore compared with its historical average.The Centre’s financial commitment under the new scheme is also higher. SBI Research estimates that the annual requirement for wages, materials and administration under VB-G RAM G could be around Rs 1.51 lakh crore, including the state contribution. The estimated Centre share alone is around Rs 95,692 crore, about 11% higher than the Rs 86,000 crore MGNREGA budget allocation for FY26.The government has also released state-wise allocations under VB-G RAM G for FY27. The total state-wise allocation is about Rs 93,842 crore, with the Centre’s overall share, including funds for social audit and central administration, taking the figure to Rs 95,692 crore.Among the biggest state allocations are Uttar Pradesh at Rs 9,721 crore, West Bengal at Rs 8,508 crore, Andhra Pradesh at Rs 7,707 crore, Tamil Nadu at Rs 7,585 crore, Rajasthan at Rs 7,582 crore, Bihar at Rs 6,716 crore and Madhya Pradesh at Rs 6,252 crore.States pay moreThe bigger central allocation comes with a bigger financial responsibility for states. Under the new 60:40 arrangement, most states will have to fund 40% of the programme cost.SBI Research argues that concerns over widespread fiscal stress may be overstated, noting that states already had financial responsibilities under MGNREGA, including unemployment allowance, part of material costs and state-level administrative expenses. It also points out that a majority of states have borrowed below their permitted fiscal-deficit limits in recent years.Still, the shift means states will need to decide where to deploy their rural-development spending, particularly because the new scheme is expected to involve more asset creation and infrastructure-linked works.Applying for the new employment schemeMore jobs — but also more scrutinyThe biggest promise of VB-G RAM G is not simply higher spending, but better conversion of spending into employment and rural assets.SBI Research estimates that around 5.78 crore households worked under MGNREGA in FY25. Its analysis of 18 major states suggests that better spending efficiency could potentially have supported employment for more households under the old system.The new system therefore brings stronger monitoring mechanisms, including biometric authentication, spatial technology-based planning, digital monitoring, weekly public disclosure and strengthened social audits.The role of Gram Panchayats is also being expanded. They are expected to become the centre of planning, implementation and monitoring, with the idea that works can be better matched to local requirements.The bottom lineThe shift from MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G changes more than the number of guaranteed workdays. For states, the bigger questions are how funds are allocated, how much they have to contribute and what the money delivers on the ground.The new formula could reshuffle the state-wise picture, with SBI Research’s simulation pointing to Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra as potential major gainers, while Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh could see modest reductions compared with their historical averages. The final outcome, however, will depend on the criteria and weights adopted and how efficiently states use their share.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFor workers, VB-G RAM G raises the employment guarantee by 25 days, while retaining the statutory right to demand work. For the Centre and states, it introduces a different funding structure and a greater emphasis on creating durable rural assets.The comparison with MGNREGA, therefore, is not simply about whether more or fewer person-days are generated. The bigger shift lies in the scale of the guarantee, how the programme is funded and how rural employment spending is expected to translate into infrastructure and livelihood assets. How these changes play out across states will become clearer as implementation gathers pace.Get the latest India News and Live updates. 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