Lok Sabha Approves New Rural Employment Bill Amid Opposition Protests
New Bill Passed in Lok Sabha
New Delhi, Dec 18: The Lok Sabha has recently approved a bill aimed at replacing the two-decade-old MGNREGA with a new program that promises rural employment for 125 days annually, despite significant protests from opposition parties.
During an extensive eight-hour debate on the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that the Modi administration is committed to upholding Mahatma Gandhi's principles through various initiatives.
Chouhan remarked, "The Congress has undermined Bapu's ideals, while the NDA has ensured his legacy through initiatives like the PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Ayushman Bharat," highlighting government efforts aimed at supporting the underprivileged.
In response, opposition members gathered in the well of the House, vocally protesting against the government's decision to exclude Mahatma Gandhi's name from the rural employment initiative, even tearing copies of the G RAM G Bill and throwing them towards the chair.
The G RAM G Bill was passed by a voice vote amidst the uproar, leading the speaker to adjourn the Lok Sabha for the day.
Following the bill's passage, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed strong opposition, claiming that the new legislation would effectively dismantle the rural employment guarantee scheme.
Vadra stated, "We will firmly oppose this bill. All parties are united against it. This legislation will eliminate MGNREGA. Increasing workdays from 100 to 125 is merely a deception. Anyone who examines the bill closely will realize that this scheme will be terminated shortly,” she told reporters.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that her administration would rename its rural job guarantee program in honor of Mahatma Gandhi. Speaking at a business and industry event in Kolkata, she remarked that if certain political factions "fail to honor our national icons, we will take the initiative," without directly referencing the BJP.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also criticized the BJP-led central government for jeopardizing the livelihoods of the impoverished through the proposed modifications to the rural employment guarantee scheme.
In a social media update, Stalin accused the BJP government of "attacking the poor's sustenance," while Palaniswami merely echoed its position instead of advocating for the populace.
Earlier, numerous opposition MPs staged a protest march within the Parliament House complex against the G RAM G bill, demanding its retraction. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge pledged to contest the government's actions both in Parliament and on the streets.
Carrying a large banner reading “Mahatma Gandhi NREGA,” they marched from the Gandhi statue at Prerna Sthal to Makar Dwar, chanting slogans against the government.
Prominent figures in the protest included Congress president Kharge, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, DMK's K Kanhimozhi, TR Ballu, A Raja, IUML's ET Mohammed Basheer, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Arvind Sawant, and RSP's N K Premchandran.