Chandigarh — December 20, 2025
The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has officially announced its decision to summon a special session of the Vidhan Sabha in the second week of January 2026. The move is primarily intended to mount a formal legislative challenge against the Union Government’s recent decision to replace the long-standing MGNREGA scheme with the new “VB-G RAM G” mission.
Core Agenda: The MGNREGA vs. VB-G RAM G Conflict
The primary catalyst for this session is the passage of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, which Parliament cleared just days ago.
Chief Minister Mann has voiced strong opposition to the new legislation, citing several critical concerns:
Funding Shifts: Under the old MGNREGA framework, the Centre provided 90% of the funding. Under the new mission, the state’s financial burden is expected to rise significantly to 40%, which the CM claims will strain Punjab’s already tight budget.
Operational Restrictions: The state government alleges that the new bill imposes restrictions on the types of projects allowed, such as irrigation and school construction, which were previously vital components of rural development.
A “Worker-Crushing” Agenda: CM Mann has characterized the move as an attempt to “scrap” the safety net for the rural poor, stating that the session will be used to pass a resolution “to raise the voice of Punjabis against this high-handedness.”
Secondary Discussion: The Agniveer IssueBeyond the employment mission, the Chief Minister indicated that the session would likely address the future of retired Agniveers. With the first batch of soldiers from Punjab expected to return in April 2026 after completing their four-year service, the state government is raising alarms regarding their rehabilitation and the potential security implications of having a large group of weapon-trained youth without guaranteed employment.
Political Context: A Pattern of Special SessionsThis upcoming January meeting will mark the sixth special session called by the AAP-led government since 2022.
Constitutional Dynamics: Unlike previous years where the state executive faced friction with the Raj Bhawan (now renamed Lok Bhawan) over the summoning of sessions, current relations with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria appear more stable, facilitating the quick call to assembly.
Opposition Response: While the ruling party focuses on Central policies, opposition parties like the Congress and SAD have criticized the frequent use of “special sessions.” They argue that these sittings often bypass Question Hour and Zero Hour, preventing the assembly from discussing pressing local issues like the drug crisis, state debt, and law and order.
