Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila on Monday alleged that the Vikasit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) scheme benefits contractors rather than labourers, who under the previous MGNREGA scheme were able to get work. Along with PCC working president J. D. Seelam, she interacted with labourers at Korlakota village in Amadalavalasa mandal and at Ranasthalam in Etcherla mandal of Srikakulam district.

Addressing public meetings at both places, Ms. Sharmila said that it is not possible for the government to provide 125 days of work to villagers under the new scheme, as the clauses would benefit contractors who would utilise machines to complete the works.

Former Union Minister Killi Kruparani, Srikakulam District Congress Committee president Sanapala Annaji Rao, former DCC President Pedada Prameswara Rao and others were present.

Meanwhile, Parvatipuram-Manyam District Congress Committee president Vangala Dalinaidu on Monday said that the Upadhi Parirakshana Yatra would continue in all 15 mandals of the district till March 31 as per the instructions given by AP Congress Committee ‘president Y.S. Sharmila and APCC working president J. D. Seelam who for the last few days have been touring the district extensively opposing the introduction of VB G Ram-G scheme. Mr. Vangala informed that under the new scheme villagers would not get work, since the State government was not in a position to contribute 40% funds as matching grant for the implementation of the scheme.