Punjab Notifies Employment Scheme; Ayodhya Temple Donation Probe Intensifies

The Punjab government has officially notified the Viksit Bharat Guarantee Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) scheme, with an effective implementation date of July 1, 2026. This move marks a sharp U-turn for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, which had previously passed a unanimous assembly resolution in December 2025 explicitly opposing the Act, alleging that the central government's policy threatened the operational independence of the MGNREGA program.

Concurrent investigations in Uttar Pradesh have revealed substantial financial and security irregularities at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) mandated to probe donation-related activities identified significant lapses in standard operating procedures, particularly regarding the handling of cash donations and the security of donation boxes. The report highlights systematic negligence that facilitated alleged embezzlement, with authorities currently questioning eight individuals linked to the site's administration.

The implementation of the VB-G RAM G scheme in Punjab highlights a shift toward federal alignment despite prior ideological friction, likely aimed at securing rural development funding. Simultaneously, the Ayodhya probe signifies a broader administrative crackdown on the management of high-profile religious sites, with the state government promising stricter oversight to ensure the integrity of future charitable contributions.