Introduction of Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025

The Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, introduced the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM G) in the Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to repeal MGNREGA and aims to establish 'Ram Rajya' in line with Mahatma Gandhi's vision.

Opposition's Concerns

• Opposition parties, including DMK, Congress, and NCP, opposed the Bill's introduction under Rule 72(1) of Lok Sabha procedures.
• DMK Member T R Baalu: Criticized the government's move as a ridicule of Mahatma Gandhi's ideals, mentioning MGNREGA's success in providing economic freedom to the poorest.
• Congress Member Priyanka Gandhi Vadra: Voiced objections to removing Gandhi's name and highlighted the weakening of employment rights under the new Bill.
• Financial Concerns: The Bill proposes reducing the Centre’s fund contribution from 90% to 60%, impacting state finances.
• Congress’s K C Venugopal: Described the Bill as an attack on the Constitution and fiscal federalism.
• Supriya Sule (NCP) and Saugata Roy (TMC): Demanded further scrutiny by a Standing Committee, opposing the replacement of Gandhi’s name.
• Shashi Tharoor: Criticized the Bill as an "assault" on MGNREGA's philosophical foundation and historical legitimacy.

Government's Justification

• Increased Employment Days: Chouhan highlighted the provision of 125 days of guaranteed employment compared to MGNREGS's 100 days.
• All-round Village Development: Aimed to follow Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay's vision for village development.
• Budget Distribution: Proposed to grade panchayats for equitable budget distribution, addressing underdevelopment.
• Respect for Gandhi's Ideals: Chouhan emphasized that the Bill aligns with Gandhi's principles of welfare for the backward and poorest.

Conclusion

The introduction of the VB-G RAM G Bill has sparked significant opposition, with concerns over financial burden shifts and the symbolic removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name. The government defends the Bill as an effort to enhance rural development and employment, promising to uphold Gandhi's vision of 'Ram Rajya'.