New Delhi: Parliament on Thursday passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G Bill, marking the end of the 20-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The legislation cleared the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote late at night, just hours after it was passed by the Lok Sabha, amid sharp protests, sloganeering and walkouts by opposition parties.
The Upper House sat beyond midnight as opposition members demanded the withdrawal of the bill, accusing the government of rushing the legislation without adequate scrutiny. Several MPs walked out during the proceedings, while others staged a dharna outside the Samvidhan Sadan within the Parliament complex.
Government defends bill, opposition cries foul
Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the move, asserting that the new law was necessary to address “shortcomings” in MGNREGA and ensure better delivery of benefits to rural workers.
Responding to opposition criticism over dropping Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme, Chouhan accused the Congress of repeatedly “killing Gandhi’s ideals” while using his name for political mileage. He alleged that MGNREGA, during the UPA regime, had been plagued by corruption and leakages.
“The new bill is aimed at transparency, accountability and holistic rural development,” Chouhan said, adding that the government remains committed to strengthening livelihood opportunities in villages.
What the VB-G RAM G Bill proposes
The VB-G RAM G Bill enhances the statutory guarantee of wage employment for unskilled rural workers from 100 days under MGNREGA to 125 days per financial year, a move the Centre claims will provide greater income security.
According to the government, the legislation also seeks to:
- Improve transparency and curb misuse of funds
- Strengthen the role of gram panchayats and gram sabhas
- Promote comprehensive development of rural areas through better planning and execution
The NDA government maintains that the revamped framework will make rural employment schemes more efficient and future-ready.
Political fallout continues
Opposition parties, however, argue that the bill weakens a landmark social security programme and alters its federal structure. They have demanded greater consultation with states and parliamentary committee scrutiny, warning that the changes could burden state finances and reduce protections for vulnerable workers.
Despite the protests, the government pushed the bill through both Houses, setting the stage for a major overhaul of India’s flagship rural employment programme.