Punjab CM Criticizes Central Government Over New Employment Bill

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has voiced strong opposition to the central government's VB-G Ramji law, alleging it strips essential rights from the poor. He criticized the rapid passage of the bill in Parliament, claiming it undermines the foundational principles of MGNREGA. Mann's government convened a special assembly session to protest this legislation, asserting that it targets vulnerable communities. He warned that if the central government continues with such policies, the people of Punjab will resist. This article delves into Mann's statements and the implications of the new law on employment and social justice.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 31, 2025, 07:47 IST

Punjab's Stand Against VB-G Ramji Bill

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of Punjab accused the central government of enacting the VB-G Ramji law to "strip food from the poor." He emphasized that his administration would not allow any infringement on the rights of marginalized communities.

Mann targeted the central government for attempting to pass the new 'Developed India-Employment Guarantee Livelihood Mission-Rural' (VB-G Ramji) bill within just 14 hours in Parliament, claiming that this legislation completely undermines the essence of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

In response to the recently passed VB-G Ramji Act during the winter session of Parliament, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab convened a special assembly session on Tuesday to express their opposition.

The VB-G Ramji Act replaces MGNREGA, which was enacted during the tenure of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. During the session, Mann stated that the new law aims to "deprive Dalits, women, and the poorest families of food, employment, and dignity."

He remarked, "MGNREGA was meticulously crafted by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh after years of discussions. In contrast, the VB-G Ramji Act was rushed through Parliament in just a few hours."

Mann warned the central government against adopting anti-people policies, asserting that if they continued down this path, the people of Punjab would not allow central leaders to enter their villages. He declared, "We will fight to any extent. We will not tolerate any encroachment on the rights of the poor."