Parliament Drama: VB-G RAM G Bill Replaces MGNREGA Amid Fierce Opposition Protests

Parliament witnessed high-voltage drama as the Narendra Modi government introduced the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Bill, aiming to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The proposed law increases guaranteed rural employment from 100 to 125 days but shifts 40% of the funding burden to states, unlike MGNREGA, which was fully Centre-funded. The Opposition slammed the move as an attempt to dismantle a flagship welfare scheme linked to Mahatma Gandhi, accusing the BJP of centralising power and diluting workers’ rights. The government defended the bill, with Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan calling it a welfare reform rooted in “Ram Rajya” values and insisting Gandhi lives “in our hearts.” Protests erupted inside and outside Parliament, including a dramatic rooftop demonstration, while NDA ally TDP flagged concerns over increased financial strain on states. Despite the uproar, government sources say the Centre is determined to pass the VB-G RAM G Bill in this session and push it through in the upcoming Budget Session, maintaining that the scheme’s name will not be changed.