Published Jul 02, 2026 | 10:53 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 02, 2026 | 10:53 PM
Telangana decided to roll out the scheme since it has no other option.
Synopsis: The VB-GRAM G scheme was nationally rolled out on 1 July. The Telangana Cabinet has now decided to launch the scheme in the state while simultaneously seeking legal remedies.
The Telangana Cabinet on Thursday, 2 July, decided to challenge the Centre’s Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G) scheme, which replaced the UPA-era Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
The Cabinet, however, said it would implement the revised provisions because it had no other option.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Revenue, Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy said the Cabinet held extensive discussions on the Centre’s amendments to the rural employment scheme.
He alleged that the NDA government introduced the changes despite opposition from several states and despite the Telangana Assembly unanimously passing a resolution against them.
“We have no alternative but to implement the new provisions. At the same time, we will pursue legal remedies against the Centre’s decision,” the minister said.
Neighbouring Karnataka is also planning to challenge the new act legally.
Also Read: Centre revises wages for VB-GRAM G
The Cabinet also approved the creation of 6,278 new posts in the Health Department for the Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences (TIMS) Super Speciality Hospital, TIMS hospitals at Sanathnagar, LB Nagar and Alwal, and the Warangal Super Speciality Hospital.
It further decided to extend treatment under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to these hospitals through Letters of Credit (LOCs).
In the education sector, the Cabinet approved the extension of the mid-day meal programme, breakfast and milk to all students studying up to Class XII in government schools and junior colleges.
Nearly 1.5 lakh teachers, lecturers and other staff in these institutions will also receive the same facilities free of cost.
The Cabinet also sanctioned ₹7,345 crore for the first phase of the Musi Riverfront Development Project, covering a 21-km stretch from Gandhi Sarovar. The project aims to address sewage and flooding issues while improving urban connectivity through riverbank roads.
Among other decisions, the Cabinet approved land allocations for integrated warehouses in Warangal district, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in Mahabubabad and Suryapet districts, a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Jagtial, and several other central and state government institutions.
