Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G RAM G)
Context
Employment generation under VB-G RAM G yet to pick up
- In 2024, Belagavi Zilla Panchayat achieved national recognition by generating 1.25 crore person-days under MGNREGA.
- Following the transition to the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G RAM G) scheme on July 1, 2026, rural employment generation has slowed down significantly due to technical glitches and shifting funding structures.
Features
- Replacement Scheme: VB-G RAM G took over from MGNREGA.
- Low Initial Output: Belagavi created only about 3 lakh person-days in the period following the transition.
- Statewide Trend: Across Karnataka, districts faced similar slowdowns, with only 17.98 lakh and 26.27 lakh person-days recorded in July and August 2026.
Implementation Challenges
- Technical Hurdles: Digital muster rolls and new administrative processes are more complex than the previous system.
- Funding Burdens: Changes to the cost-sharing proportions between the Centre and the State have created hesitation in approving new works.
- Coordination Issues: Local departments report slower synchronization in rolling out rural projects.
What Changes under VB-G RAM G?
Despite the initial implementation lag, the legislation promises an updated rural layout once operationalized:
Feature | Old Scheme (MGNREGA) | New Scheme (VB-G RAM G) |
Guaranteed Work Days | 100 days per household per year | 125 days per household per year |
Wage Funding | Centralized wage liability | Structured Centre-State sharing (approx. 60:40) |
Target Focus | Purely demand-driven social security | High convergence with national infrastructure stacks |
Monsoon Policy | Continuous project accessibility | Mandatory 60-day agricultural protection pause |
Vande Mataram and the right to dissent
Context
- “Vande Mataram” is India’s National Song, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875.
- In the context of Indian constitutional law, the song sits at a critical intersection of national honor, religious freedom, and the right to dissent.
The primary constitutional takeaway is that there is no legal requirement making the singing of “Vande Mataram” mandatory in India. Individuals have a constitutionally protected right to politely refuse to sing it based on religious, personal, or conscientious objections.
- Constitutional Basis for Dissent
The right to dissent regarding national symbols and songs is heavily protected by Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech and Expression) and Article 25 (Freedom of Conscience and Religion) of the Constitution of India.
- The Right to Silence: Freedom of speech inherently includes the right to remain silent. Refusing to sing a song, provided it is done respectfully without disrupting others, is a protected form of expression.
- Freedom of Conscience: Certain religious groups, particularly some interpretations within Islam and Christianity, object to singing “Vande Mataram” because it personifies India as a mother goddess (e.g., Durga). They argue that their faith strictly prohibits bowing to or worshipping anyone or anything other than God. The Constitution protects an individual’s right to uphold these religious beliefs.
- The Legal Precedent: Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986)
While this landmark Supreme Court case specifically addressed the National Anthem (“Jana Gana Mana”), its legal principles directly govern “Vande Mataram” and the right to dissent:
- The Facts: Three Jehovah’s Witness children were expelled from school for refusing to sing the National Anthem. They stood up respectfully but did not sing, citing religious beliefs that forbid singing praise to anyone but God.
- The Ruling: The Supreme Court reversed the expulsion. The Court ruled that forcing someone to sing violates their fundamental right to freedom of speech and religion.
- The Core Principle: The Court famously noted: “Our tradition teaches tolerance; our philosophy preaches tolerance; our Constitution practises tolerance; let us not dilute it.” Respect is shown by standing; singing cannot be coerced.
- “Vande Mataram” vs. “Jana Gana Mana”
The legal protections for refusing to sing “Vande Mataram” are arguably even stronger than those for the National Anthem:
Attribute | National Anthem (“Jana Gana Mana”) | National Song (“Vande Mataram”) |
Constitutional Status | Explicitly protected under Article 51A(a) (Fundamental Duties). | Given equal status by a 1950 constituent assembly statement, but not explicitly named in the text of Article 51A. |
Statutory Law | Protected by the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which penalises disrupting the anthem. | Not explicitly covered or penalised under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. |
Compulsion | Courts have repeatedly ruled that standing is required to show respect, but singing cannot be forced. | Courts have consistently rejected petitions seeking to make its singing compulsory in schools or public offices. |
- Judicial Stance on Mandatory Singing
Over the years, various public interest litigations (PILs) have been filed in state High Courts and the Supreme Court attempting to make “Vande Mataram” compulsory in schools to promote patriotism.
The judiciary has consistently rejected these demands:
- Supreme Court Position: The apex court has clarified that the Constitution does not conceptualise a “National Song” in a way that allows the state to force citizens to sing it.
- Distinction of Respect: The courts maintain a strict legal boundary: while citizens are expected not to disrespect national symbols, the state cannot command active, vocal participation under threat of punishment or exclusion.
Deepika scholarship
Context
Only 11,000 applications received for Deepika scholarship.
- Deepika Scholarship Program is a joint initiative by the Government of Karnataka Higher Education Department and the Azim Premji Foundation (APF).
- It provides financial assistance of ₹30,000 per year to eligible girl students from Karnataka to pursue higher education, helping reduce dropout rates after Class 10 and 12.
Features
- Financial Aid: ₹30,000 annually for the entire duration of the course (up to ₹1.5 Lakhs total).
- Usage: The funds can be utilized for college tuition fees or any other out-of-pocket educational expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, students must fulfill the following parameters:
- Gender: Only female students are eligible.
- Schooling Background: Must have completed Class 10 or Class 12 (PUC) from a Government School or Government PU College in Karnataka.
- Current Enrolment: Must be enrolled in the first year of a higher education program lasting a minimum of 3 years (General Degree, Professional Degree like Engineering/Medical, or Diploma courses). Enrolment can be at either a government or private college.
- Inclusivity: The scholarship is universal and not based on merit, caste, income, or religion. However, students must pass their exams every year to maintain renewal eligibility