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Summary:
The Indian Parliament has passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill (G RAM G), intended as an update to the MGNREGA program, amidst strong opposition protests. The opposition criticizes the name change, replacing Mahatma Gandhi with “G RAM G,” and argues the new bill weakens the original program’s core principles of guaranteed employment, livelihood security, and worker-driven project selection. The government defends the bill as a necessary modernization to address corruption and align with Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, while increasing the guaranteed work days. Opposition parties staged protests and walkouts, raising concerns about the bill’s impact on the rural poor and accusing the government of undermining Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy.
News Article:
Controversial “G RAM G” Bill Replacing MGNREGA Passes Amidst Opposition Fury
New Delhi, India – The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, known as “G RAM G,” has been passed by the Indian Parliament after heated debates and protests in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The bill, touted as an updated version of the UPA government’s flagship MGNREGA program, was pushed through within two days, sparking outrage from opposition parties.
The core point of contention lies in the bill’s name change, replacing Mahatma Gandhi’s name with “G RAM G,” which the Congress party has decried as an attempt to erase Gandhi’s legacy. “Don’t have Ram on your lips and a dagger in your hand!” exclaimed Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing the government of harming the poor while invoking religious sentiments.
Beyond the name, opposition leaders, including P. Chidambaram, have raised concerns that the new bill weakens the core principles of the original MGNREGA, particularly the guarantee of 100 days of work. While the new law increases the guaranteed days to 125, critics argue that it shifts the focus from worker-driven demand to pre-approved projects, limiting the scope of work and potentially leaving those in need without assistance.
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien highlighted the timing of the bill’s passage, coinciding with the alleged halting of MGNREGA funds to West Bengal.
Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the bill, accusing the Congress of corruption during the MGNREGA era and asserting that the “G RAM G” bill aligns with Mahatma Gandhi’s true ideals. He stated that it was essential to update the 20-year-old scheme and address its shortcomings.
The passage of the “G RAM G” bill marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to rural employment and has ignited a fierce political battle over the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and the future of social welfare programs in India. Opposition parties have vowed to continue their protests and challenge the new law.
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