THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec 16: The Viksit Bharat Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The proposed law seeks to do away with the nearly two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replace it with a new framework for rural employment.
The Bill, also referred to as the VB-G RAM-G or G Ram G Bill, was introduced by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who sought the House’s permission to table the legislation.
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The proposed law promises to increase guaranteed wage employment for rural households to 125 days per year, compared with the existing 100 days under MGNREGA, for adult members willing to perform unskilled manual labour.
It also aims to combine income support with the creation of long-lasting, productivity-oriented rural assets under a centrally coordinated development plan.
However, the proposal triggered sharp opposition from Congress. Party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the Bill, arguing that it would dilute and weaken the core spirit of MGNREGA and threaten the existing employment guarantee.
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Speaking during the debate, the Wayanad MP said major legislation should not be rushed through Parliament without proper consultation or detailed discussion, and alleged that the move reflected “personal obsession” or “bias.”
She further demanded that the Bill be sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for a comprehensive review before any further legislative action is taken.
