Mon Dec 15 14:04:12 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) is strongly opposing the central government’s proposed Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) Bill, 2025 (VB-GRAMG Bill). The CPI(M) believes this bill will weaken and eventually replace the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Key concerns include removing the central government’s legal responsibility to fund the program based on demand, shifting a greater financial burden onto states, imposing spending limits, and potentially reducing the scope of the scheme. The CPI(M) views the name change and the overall approach as reflecting a specific political ideology and calls for the bill’s immediate withdrawal, urging the government to instead strengthen MGNREGA.

News Article:

CPI(M) Condemns Proposed Bill, Claims it Weakens MGNREGA

Kalaburagi, India – December 15, 2025 – The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued a strong condemnation of the central government’s proposed Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) Bill, 2025 (VB-GRAMG Bill), alleging it will undermine the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

In a press release issued Monday, district secretary of the CPI(M), K. Neela, argued that the VB-GRAMG Bill effectively removes the central government’s legal obligation to provide funds based on the demand for work, a cornerstone of the MGNREGA program.

“MGNREGA is a demand-based law that provides a limited but guaranteed right to work to rural households,” Ms. Neela stated. “The proposed Bill removes the Centre’s legal responsibility to providing funds based on the demand for work.”

The CPI(M) also dismissed claims of increased guaranteed employment days as misleading, suggesting the bill could exclude many families through “rationalizing job cards.” They also criticized a provision allowing suspension of work during peak agricultural seasons.

A key point of contention is the proposed change in the funding model, with the central government’s share of wage payments reduced from 100% to 60%, placing the remaining burden on state governments. According to the CPI(M), the bill also places the responsibility for paying unemployment allowance and compensation for delayed wages on the states, creating a heavy financial burden and reducing the scope of the scheme, and weakening the Centre’s accountability

“This shift in financial responsibility, coupled with state-wise spending limits, will cripple the program,” Ms. Neela warned.

The CPI(M) further suggested that renaming MGNREGA as GRAMG is reflective of a specific political ideology. The party is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the VB-GRAMG Bill and urging the Union government to strengthen MGNREGA through consultation with trade unions and relevant organizations.

Read More