26 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Centre Denies RTI Request for VB-G RAM G Act Details

Ministry rejects RTI seeking consultations on Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar Act.

The Union Rural Development Ministry has denied an RTI request seeking details about consultations with states before introducing the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025. The RTI application referenced a news article quoting the Minister stating that extensive consultations had occurred. The Ministry stated that the information could not be shared because the scheme has not been formally notified by States/UTs and its implementation is underway. According to the Ministry, disclosing the information would involve sharing ongoing deliberations.

This denial highlights the government's stance on transparency regarding policy formulation, especially concerning schemes with significant implications for rural development. The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, aims to guarantee employment and livelihoods in rural areas, making its consultation process a matter of public interest. The Ministry's decision to withhold information citing ongoing deliberations raises questions about the extent of stakeholder engagement in the scheme's design.

This news is relevant for understanding governance and transparency issues in India, particularly concerning rural development programs. It is relevant for UPSC aspirants preparing for the Polity and Governance sections of the General Studies Paper II.

Key Facts

The Union Rural Development Ministry rejected an RTI application.

The RTI application sought details of consultations with states before introducing the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025.

The Ministry stated the scheme hasn't been formally notified by States/UTs and implementation is underway.

Disclosing information would involve sharing records of ongoing deliberations and decision-making relating to policy implementation.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Governance, Transparency and Accountability

GS Paper III: Economy, Rural Development

Potential questions on RTI exemptions, Centre-State relations, and social welfare schemes

In Simple Words

The government didn't give out details about how they talked to states before making a new rural jobs law. Someone asked for this info using the Right to Information (RTI) Act, but the government said no. They claimed it's because the law isn't finalized yet.

India Angle

In India, the RTI Act helps people get information from the government. This case shows how sometimes the government might not want to share information, especially if a policy is still being worked on. This can affect how much we know about decisions that impact our lives.

For Instance

Imagine you ask your local council for the minutes of a meeting about building a new road in your area. If they refuse, saying the project is still in planning, it's similar to this situation.

It's important because knowing how decisions are made helps us understand if the government is working in our best interests. Transparency builds trust and allows us to participate in shaping policies.

Information is power; access to it ensures accountability.

The Union Rural Development Ministry rejected an RTI application seeking details of consultations with states before introducing the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025. The RTI referenced a news article quoting the Minister stating extensive consultations occurred.

The Ministry stated the information couldn't be shared as the scheme hasn't been formally notified by States/UTs and implementation is underway. Disclosing information would involve sharing ongoing deliberations.

Expert Analysis

The denial of the RTI request concerning the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, brings several key concepts into focus, particularly regarding transparency and policy formulation.

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is a fundamental law that empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities. It aims to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. In this specific case, the RTI application sought details of consultations with states before introducing the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025. The denial of this request, citing that the scheme hasn't been formally notified and implementation is underway, raises questions about the application of the RTI Act in the context of ongoing policy deliberations. The Act does allow for certain exemptions, but the balance between transparency and protecting the policy-making process is crucial.

The concept of Federalism is also relevant here. India is a federal republic, where powers are divided between the Union and the States. For a scheme like VB-G RAM G Act, which directly impacts rural livelihoods, consultations with states are essential to ensure that the scheme is tailored to local needs and priorities. The RTI application specifically targeted the details of these consultations, highlighting the importance of inter-governmental coordination in policy formulation. The Ministry's reluctance to disclose this information could be interpreted as undermining the spirit of cooperative federalism.

Finally, the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025 itself is a key concept. While the details are still emerging, the Act aims to guarantee employment and livelihoods in rural areas. This is particularly significant given the ongoing challenges of rural poverty and unemployment. The Act's effectiveness will depend on various factors, including the extent of stakeholder consultations, the allocation of resources, and the efficiency of implementation. The denial of the RTI request underscores the need for greater transparency in the design and implementation of such crucial social welfare programs.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding the interplay between the RTI Act, federalism, and social welfare schemes is crucial for both prelims and mains. Questions can be framed on the limitations of the RTI Act, the principles of cooperative federalism, and the challenges in implementing rural development programs. Specifically, aspirants should be aware of the exemptions under the RTI Act and the constitutional provisions related to Centre-State relations.

Visual Insights

VB-G RAM G Act: Key Developments

Timeline of key events leading to the RTI rejection regarding the VB-G RAM G Act.

The VB-G RAM G Act is envisioned as an expansion of MGNREGA, aiming for sustainable rural livelihoods.

2005MGNREGA Act enacted, guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment.
2022-2023Discussions begin around expanding MGNREGA to create more sustainable livelihoods.
2024Draft VB-G RAM G Act prepared after pilot programs and consultations.
Late 2025Union Cabinet approves the VB-G RAM G Bill.
Early 2026VB-G RAM G Bill awaits debate and passage in Parliament.
February 2026Union Rural Development Ministry rejects RTI request for VB-G RAM G Act details.

More Information

Background

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is central to this issue. Enacted to promote transparency and accountability in government, it allows citizens to request information from public authorities. The Act includes provisions for exemptions where disclosure could harm national security, privacy, or the deliberative process of government. The denial of the RTI request hinges on the interpretation of these exemptions, particularly concerning ongoing policy deliberations. The concept of cooperative federalism is also relevant. India's federal structure necessitates consultation between the Union and States on matters of mutual interest, especially in areas like rural development. Schemes like the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, require state-level implementation, making state input crucial. The RTI request aimed to uncover the extent of these consultations, shedding light on the government's adherence to cooperative federalism principles. The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025 itself builds upon existing rural employment schemes like MGNREGA. Understanding the evolution of these schemes and the lessons learned from their implementation is essential to assess the potential impact and challenges of the new Act.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing scrutiny of the government's use of exemptions under the RTI Act, 2005. Several court cases have challenged the denial of information on grounds of national security or economic interests, highlighting the tension between transparency and confidentiality. The government has been emphasizing the convergence of various rural development schemes to enhance their effectiveness. The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, is likely to be positioned as a key component of this convergence strategy, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for rural employment and livelihoods. Looking ahead, the implementation of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, will be closely watched to assess its impact on rural poverty and unemployment. The effectiveness of the scheme will depend on factors such as resource allocation, implementation capacity, and the extent of community participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the most likely prelims question they could ask related to this news, and what would be the trick?

UPSC could frame a question around the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025. A likely distractor would be to present it as an already implemented scheme, when the news explicitly states it's still under deliberation and not formally notified. They might ask about its key features, implying it's fully operational.

Exam Tip

Pay close attention to the tense used in the question. If it implies the scheme is already active, that's a red flag.

2. Why is the Ministry denying the RTI request NOW, especially since the Minister already discussed the consultations publicly?

The Ministry is likely denying the RTI request because the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 is still in the process of being finalized. Releasing details of consultations before the scheme is formally notified could: * Reveal internal disagreements and debates, potentially weakening public confidence. * Allow premature speculation and lobbying efforts that could derail the scheme's objectives. * Create confusion if the final version of the Act differs significantly from what was discussed in the consultations.

•Reveal internal disagreements and debates, potentially weakening public confidence.
•Allow premature speculation and lobbying efforts that could derail the scheme's objectives.
•Create confusion if the final version of the Act differs significantly from what was discussed in the consultations.

3. How does this RTI denial connect to the broader debate about transparency vs. policy effectiveness?

This case highlights the tension between the public's right to information and the government's need to deliberate on policy effectively. The government argues that premature disclosure can hinder the policy-making process. However, transparency advocates argue that withholding information undermines public trust and accountability. This is a recurring theme, especially with policies impacting large populations.

4. What are the arguments for and against disclosing information about ongoing policy deliberations?

Arguments for disclosure: * Promotes transparency and accountability. * Allows for informed public debate and feedback. * Reduces the risk of corruption and undue influence. Arguments against disclosure: * May stifle open and frank discussions among policymakers. * Could lead to premature speculation and market volatility. * Might be misused by vested interests to derail the policy.

•Promotes transparency and accountability.
•Allows for informed public debate and feedback.
•Reduces the risk of corruption and undue influence.
•May stifle open and frank discussions among policymakers.
•Could lead to premature speculation and market volatility.
•Might be misused by vested interests to derail the policy.

5. If a Mains question asks to 'Critically examine the use of RTI exemptions in the context of social welfare schemes,' what points should I include?

A 'critically examine' answer should include: * Briefly explain the RTI Act and its objectives. * Discuss the provisions for exemptions under the Act. * Analyze the government's rationale for using exemptions in this specific case (VB-G RAM G Act). * Present counter-arguments highlighting the importance of transparency in social welfare schemes. * Offer a balanced conclusion, acknowledging both the need for policy confidentiality and the public's right to information.

•Briefly explain the RTI Act and its objectives.
•Discuss the provisions for exemptions under the Act.
•Analyze the government's rationale for using exemptions in this specific case (VB-G RAM G Act).
•Present counter-arguments highlighting the importance of transparency in social welfare schemes.
•Offer a balanced conclusion, acknowledging both the need for policy confidentiality and the public's right to information.

Exam Tip

Remember to cite relevant Supreme Court cases or reports by transparency advocacy groups to strengthen your arguments.

6. How might the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 relate to existing schemes like MGNREGA?

The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 is likely intended to complement or even replace aspects of MGNREGA. It could: * Expand the scope of employment guarantee schemes beyond unskilled manual labor. * Incorporate skill development and livelihood components more explicitly. * Focus on asset creation that directly contributes to rural livelihoods. * Streamline implementation by converging with other rural development programs.

•Expand the scope of employment guarantee schemes beyond unskilled manual labor.
•Incorporate skill development and livelihood components more explicitly.
•Focus on asset creation that directly contributes to rural livelihoods.
•Streamline implementation by converging with other rural development programs.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005? 1. It empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities. 2. It mandates disclosure of all information without any exceptions. 3. It aims to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The RTI Act, 2005, indeed empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The RTI Act does NOT mandate disclosure of all information. It has exemptions under Sections 8 and 9, which allow the government to withhold information under certain circumstances, such as when it affects national security or privacy. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The RTI Act aims to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government by enabling citizens to access information.

2. In the context of cooperative federalism, which of the following statements is most accurate? A) The Union Government has exclusive authority over all matters related to rural development. B) States have complete autonomy in implementing centrally sponsored schemes. C) Consultation and collaboration between the Union and States are essential for effective policy implementation. D) The Finance Commission determines the extent of state involvement in national policies.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is the most accurate. Cooperative federalism emphasizes the importance of consultation and collaboration between the Union and States for effective policy implementation. While the Union Government plays a significant role, States have a crucial role in implementing policies, especially in areas like rural development. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they present an incomplete or inaccurate picture of the relationship between the Union and States in India's federal structure.

3. Which of the following is NOT a likely objective of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025? A) Guaranteeing employment opportunities in rural areas B) Enhancing livelihood security for rural households C) Promoting urbanization and migration to cities D) Improving rural infrastructure and connectivity

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is NOT a likely objective. The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, focuses on rural development and aims to improve employment and livelihood opportunities in rural areas. Promoting urbanization and migration to cities would be counter to this objective. Options A, B, and D are all consistent with the goals of rural development and employment generation.