Parliament approves VB-G RAM G bill amidst uproar. The law, passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, will replace MGNREGA with a new rural employment guarantee scheme, drawing b opposition from the opposition parties.
New Delhi: Parliament on Thursday approved the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural), or VB-G RAM G bill, amidst significant disruption. The bill was passed in Lok Sabha and later in Rajya Sabha late at night. Through this legislation, the government has paved the way to implement a new rural employment guarantee system, replacing the 20-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The government claims that the new law will be more effective in accordance with the needs of rural India and will strengthen both employment and livelihoods.
What is the VB-G RAM G bill and why is it important
The full name of the VB-G RAM G bill is Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural). According to the government, this scheme will guarantee 125 days of assured employment per year to rural families. The existing MGNREGA provides for 100 days of employment. The government states that under the new bill, the quality of work will be improved and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods will be created in rural areas. The government views this bill as being linked to the goal of a Developed India.
Heated atmosphere from Lok Sabha to Rajya Sabha
The political atmosphere heated up as soon as the VB-G RAM G bill was passed in Lok Sabha. Opposition parties termed it a conspiracy to abolish MGNREGA. When the bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha, a similar uproar ensued. Opposition MPs raised slogans in the House and accused the government of ignoring democratic processes. The proceedings were disrupted several times during the debate, and finally, the bill was passed after a vote late at night.
Strong opposition from the opposition in Rajya Sabha
During the discussion on the VB-G RAM G bill in Rajya Sabha, the opposition leveled several serious allegations against the government. Opposition leaders said that the government was deliberately removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from MGNREGA, which is unacceptable to the country. They alleged that this was not just a matter of changing names but of changing ideologies. The opposition also said that the new bill would put an additional financial burden on the states, as a large part of the responsibility for employment generation would fall on them.
Walkout and slogans increased tension
When the government moved the bill forward despite the opposition's objections, several opposition MPs walked out of Rajya Sabha. They demanded the withdrawal of the bill and raised slogans against the government. Some MPs tore copies of the bill in protest. Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan bly objected to this and warned against maintaining the dignity of the House. Despite this, the uproar showed no signs of abating.
Protest demonstration outside Constitution Sadan
After walking out of Rajya Sabha, opposition parties began a protest demonstration outside Constitution Sadan in the Parliament complex. Opposition MPs sat on dharna overnight and raised slogans for about 12 hours. They said that the VB-G RAM G bill was passed without adequate discussion. The opposition demanded that the bill be sent to a Parliamentary Panel for further investigation and detailed consideration.
Government's stand and Shivraj Singh Chauhan's reply
Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan gave a reply on behalf of the government after a nearly five-hour discussion in Rajya Sabha. He said that the VB-G RAM G bill is very important for the future of rural India. The minister clearly stated that there were many shortcomings in MGNREGA that needed to be addressed. He claimed that the new scheme would help in the construction of rural assets and in making livelihoods sustainable, along with employment.
Allegations of corruption in MGNREGA
In his speech, Shivraj Singh Chauhan also targeted the UPA government. He said that MGNREGA was riddled with corruption at that time. According to the minister, the prescribed amount was not spent on the purchase of materials for the designated works in many places. He alleged that the objective of the scheme had deviated and the full benefit was not reaching the beneficiaries. This is why the government felt the need to bring a new and more transparent system.
Counter-allegation of politicizing Mahatma Gandhi's name
Responding to the allegations of removing Mahatma Gandhi's name, Shivraj Singh Chauhan hit back at the Congress. He said that the Congress had often harmed the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and used his name only for political gain. The minister said that it is not the name of a scheme but its objective and outcome that are important. The government's goal is to provide real benefits to the rural poor.
Bill linked to the goal of a Developed India
The government says that the VB-G RAM G bill is an important part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Developed India. Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that if the country has to be developed, the development of villages is most important. He also said that the government will prioritize rural roads, water conservation, housing and agriculture-related works under this scheme so that villages can become self-reliant.
