Thu Dec 18 21:14:02 UTC 2025: News Article:

Parliament Passes Contentious VB-G RAM G Bill Amid Opposition Protests

New Delhi – December 19, 2025 – The Rajya Sabha passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill in a late-night session ending early Friday morning, December 19, 2025. The bill, aimed at boosting rural employment, faced fierce opposition from multiple parties who criticized the lack of consultation with state governments and raised concerns about increased financial burdens on states.

Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Mukul Wasnik, argued that the bill was rushed through Parliament without proper scrutiny, drawing parallels to the controversial farm laws that were eventually withdrawn. Wasnik questioned whether state governments had been consulted regarding the increased financial liability placed upon them by the new legislation.

RJD leader Manoj K. Jha argued that the bill undermines the spirit of the MGNREGA, a program he believes is the closest approximation to the constitutional right to work. AIADMK MP M. Thambidurai, while welcoming the increase in work-day entitlements, criticized the increased cost burden on states, demanding a fairer share of central taxes in return. CPI(M)’s Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya expressed concern over the introduction of blackout periods, fearing it would weaken the bargaining power of rural workers.

The bill was ultimately passed by a voice vote despite the strong protests and reservations voiced by the opposition. The new legislation increases states responsibilities to pay for the new mission, and allow for pausing the scheme during peak agricultural periods. Its implementation and impact on rural employment will be closely watched in the coming months.

Summary:

The Rajya Sabha passed the VB-G RAM G Bill amidst strong opposition. The opposition parties criticized the lack of consultations with state governments, the increased financial burden on states, and the potential negative impact on rural workers’ bargaining power. They drew parallels to the farm laws and warned of similar consequences. Despite the protests, the bill was passed by a voice vote.

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