The State Government has constituted a Cabinet sub-committee to study the implications of joining the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rojgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB - G RAM G) as the July 1 deadline set by the Central Government for States is fast approaching.The Cabinet panel comprising N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Tummala Nageswara Rao, Danasari Anasuya alias Seetakka and G. Vivek Venkatswamy has been entrusted with the responsibility of studying the models adopted in different States and make recommendations on joining the VB - G RAM G.A decision to this effect was taken at an informal meeting of the Cabinet held here on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.According to Ms. Seetakka, the Centre was trying to dilute the previous rural employment guarantee scheme in the name of VB - G RAM G, as could be seen from conditions such as the State’s 40% contribution and the requirement to capture workers' photographs twice. The State had already opposed the proposed changes in the scheme introduced by the Congress Government in 2005 and passed a resolution from the State Legislature conveying the same to the Centre.“Pressure in being mounted on States to accept the new scheme, which involves additional burden on the State exchequer,” she said. The Cabinet had asked the sub-committee to study the issue elaborately before finalising further course of action.Metro expansionMeanwhile, the Cabinet has requested BJP MPs, including Union Ministers, to extend cooperation to the State Government in securing the Centre’s permission for the expansion of Hyderabad Metro Rail. The project is crucial for the city’s transport needs and the Telangana BJP MPs should cooperate with the State government in getting the loan sanctioned by the IRFC, released so that work could progress.PaperlessThe Cabinet has resolved to go paperless henceforth. Industries and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu handed over special tabs to the Chief Minister and Ministers at the beginning of the informal meeting on Thursday. The Cabinet proceedings would forthwith be conducted digitally as the agenda and notes would be given to the Ministers through e-book.The Cabinet also resolved to ensure free bus travel to aspirants of NEET, scheduled on June 21. Over 2.95 lakh students are expected to appear for the examination in 2008 centres spread across the State. The Cabinet decided to allow students taking the examination to travel free of cost in the TGSRTC buses by displaying their hall tickets. Published - June 18, 2026 07:22 pm IST