Fri Dec 19 04:56:07 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Indian Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which replaces the MGNREGA rural employment program, despite strong opposition protests. Opposition leaders staged a 12-hour overnight dharna in the Parliament complex and vowed to protest across the country. The Lok Sabha saw members tearing copies of the bill and raising slogans. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill by a voice vote. Additionally, Parliament passed a bill opening the civil nuclear sector for private participation.
News Article:
Parliament Passes Controversial Bill Replacing MGNREGA Amidst Opposition Protests
New Delhi, December 19, 2025 – The Indian Parliament witnessed a stormy session yesterday as the ruling party pushed through the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, effectively replacing the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The passage of the bill was met with fierce opposition, with leaders staging a 12-hour overnight “dharna” (sit-in protest) within the Parliament complex. TMC MPs Dola Sen, Sushmita Dev, and Sagarika Ghose were among those leading the demonstration. Opposition members have vowed to take their protests to the streets nationwide.
In the Lok Sabha, scenes of chaos unfolded as opposition members stormed the well of the House, tore copies of the bill, and chanted slogans in protest. Despite the disruption, the bill was passed. Later in the evening, the Rajya Sabha debated the bill and ultimately passed it by a voice vote past midnight, amidst continued vociferous protests.
The VB-G RAM G bill aims to revamp the rural employment program. However, opposition parties argue that it dilutes the guarantees provided by MGNREGA and could negatively impact rural communities.
In addition to the controversial employment bill, Parliament also approved a bill to open the tightly-controlled civil nuclear sector to private participation. The Rajya Sabha gave its approval to this legislation, marking a significant shift in energy policy.
The passage of these bills sets the stage for continued political debate and potential unrest as opposition parties mobilize to challenge the new legislation.
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