- VB-G RAM-G Bill replaces MGNREGA after voice vote
- VB-G RAM-G Bill defended by Shivraj Chouhan in House
The VB-G RAM-G Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha amid strong protests from the Opposition, marking a major legislative development during a noisy session. The House cleared the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission Gramin Bill 2025 through a voice vote, despite repeated demands from Opposition members for further scrutiny. The passage took place during a tumultuous sitting marked by sloganeering and disruptions.
The Bill replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act with a revised framework. It provides an enhanced guarantee of 125 days of wage employment annually for rural households. However, the Opposition objected to both the substance and the manner of the Bill’s passage. Congress members demanded that the proposed law be referred to either a Joint Parliamentary Committee or the Standing Committee. Despite these objections, the Speaker proceeded with the voice vote. Later, the House was adjourned till December 19.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan strongly defended the VB-G RAM-G Bill on the floor of the House. Responding to Opposition criticism, he accused the Congress of undermining Gandhian ideals. He said, “The Congress party worked to kill Bapu’s ideals, while Narendra Modi ji worked to keep Bapu’s ideals alive.” He linked the government’s welfare schemes with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of inclusive development and social justice.
Chouhan further elaborated on this argument by listing several flagship initiatives. He said, “Bapu is alive today in the houses built under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, in Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, in Ujjwala Yojana where smoke has been removed from ten crore kitchens, in Ayushman Bharat assuring treatment for 36 crore people, and in 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs providing affordable medicines.” He also referred to Direct Benefit Transfer, Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Skill India, Atal Mission, and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
According to the minister, Gandhian values are reflected not only in symbols but in governance. He said, “Bapu is not just alive in pictures and posters, but in all our hearts. Bapu’s ideals are alive in this scheme.” He pointed to the Bill’s 60:40 Centre state funding ratio as part of efforts to build a “new India”. He also said the legislation would help uplift the poor through empowerment, growth, and rural infrastructure.
However, the Opposition remained unconvinced. Congress leaders described the Bill as an erosion of the demand driven rights guaranteed under MGNREGA. They also termed the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name as an insult. Protests continued during the minister’s reply, forcing brief adjournments earlier in the day. After the Bill was passed, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House for the day.
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