Debate Erupts Over MGNREGA Changes in Parliament
The recent passage of the VB-G Ramji Bill in Parliament has ignited a heated debate regarding the MGNREGA scheme. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey questioned the opposition's commitment to supporting the poor, while Sonia Gandhi criticized the government's efforts to undermine the program, which has been vital for rural employment during the pandemic. The discussions highlight significant concerns over the future of MGNREGA and its implications for the impoverished population. As tensions rise, the political landscape surrounding this employment scheme continues to evolve.
| Dec 20, 2025, 19:19 IST
Parliamentary Discussions on Employment Bill
Following the passage of the VB-G Ramji Bill (Developed India Guarantee Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural)) in Parliament, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey raised questions regarding the opposition's stance on financial support for the poor. In an interview, Dubey stated, "It is the responsibility of the states to implement laws passed by Parliament. The crucial question is whether the opposition truly wants to provide financial aid to the impoverished. Was there corruption in MGNREGA or not? To combat corruption, we have mandated that payments will not be made without biometric verification. Additionally, we have proposed that an ombudsman will be appointed in every sector."
Response to Controversy Over MGNREGA Name Change
In response to the controversy surrounding the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Dubey emphasized that Mahatma Gandhi holds a special place in everyone's heart. He recalled that during the debates in the Constituent Assembly in 1948 and 1949, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, then-President Rajendra Prasad, and former Prime Minister Nehru had agreed that Mahatma Gandhi's name should not be used when making changes to any scheme. He noted that in 1976, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had stripped the President of certain powers, and it was stated in the Constituent Assembly that Gandhi's name would not be included in the Constitution. If it cannot be used in the Constitution, how can it be used in a scheme?
Sonia Gandhi Criticizes Government's Handling of MGNREGA
Earlier, Sonia Gandhi, the parliamentary chairperson of the Congress party and Rajya Sabha MP, accused the central government of undermining the MGNREGA scheme, which had been a lifeline for the poor during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a video message to the nation, she claimed that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has neglected the interests of unemployed, poor, and marginalized individuals in rural areas.
Concerns Over MGNREGA's Future
Sonia Gandhi expressed her disappointment that over the past 11 years, the Modi administration has consistently overlooked the needs of the unemployed and disadvantaged in rural regions, making every effort to weaken MGNREGA. She lamented that it is regrettable that the government has recently attacked MGNREGA, not only removing Mahatma Gandhi's name but also arbitrarily altering its structure and framework without any consultation or discussion with the opposition.