Opposition mounts against G Ram Ji scheme during Bhogi protests

Kadapa – Andhra Pradesh: Strong opposition to the G Ram Ji scheme surfaced during Bhogi celebrations in Kadapa district on Wednesday, with leaders of women’s and left organisations terming the scheme impractical, short-lived, and harmful to rural livelihoods, while demanding the restoration of employment guarantee measures.

Scheme a “fleeting fancy,” says Women’s Association

Tasleem, District Secretary of the Rayalaseema Women’s Association, criticised the G Ram Ji scheme as unrealistic, pointing out that the state government is required to bear 40 per cent of the financial burden, while the Centre has failed to commit the remaining 60 per cent.

Speaking after copies of the scheme were symbolically burnt in a Bhogi bonfire at Rizwana Street in the Nakash area, she said the funding structure itself raises serious doubts about the scheme’s continuity.

Railway project cited as precedent

Drawing a parallel with the Kadapa–Bengaluru railway line, Tasleem recalled that the project progressed smoothly when the Centre contributed 90 per cent and the state 10 per cent. However, when the Centre reduced its share to 60 per cent and raised the state’s contribution to 40 per cent, the project stalled completely due to lack of state funds.

She warned that the G Ram Ji scheme would meet a similar fate, as the state government would not be able to sustain its financial share.

Call for new welfare measures, not cancellations

Tasleem urged the Centre not to cancel existing welfare schemes under flimsy pretexts, saying such decisions only increase hardship for the people. Instead, she demanded the introduction of new, meaningful schemes to ensure better governance and protect rural livelihoods.

She announced that awareness programmes, seminars, and meetings would be conducted in rural areas, culminating in a large public meeting in Kadapa against the scheme.