Rahul Gandhi Criticizes BJP Government Over Employment Bill in Lok Sabha
Opposition Leader's Accusations
In the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition, has accused the ruling BJP government of avoiding discussion on the Developed India Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM-G Bill). He claimed that this legislation is not aimed at fostering development but rather at causing destruction, which will lead to many Indians losing their livelihoods.
Lack of Public Discussion
Gandhi pointed out the absence of public discourse, parliamentary debate, and state consensus, stating that the Modi administration has bulldozed both the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and democracy itself. He emphasized that this is not development but destruction, with millions of hardworking Indians facing the consequences of losing their means of livelihood.
Details of the Bill
On December 18, Parliament passed the Developed India Guarantee Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which received presidential assent on December 21. According to the bill, every adult member of rural families will be guaranteed 125 days of wage employment instead of the current 100 days of unskilled manual labor. Section 22 of the bill stipulates a funding distribution ratio of 60:40 between the center and the states.
Funding for Specific Regions
For northeastern states, Himalayan regions, and Union Territories like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, this ratio will be adjusted to 90:10. Under Section 6 of the bill, state governments can notify a period of up to 60 days in advance during the financial year, which will include peak agricultural seasons such as sowing and harvesting. Meanwhile, Sonia Gandhi, the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, recently launched a strong critique of the central government in a major English daily, accusing it of undermining the rights-based legislative framework through proposed changes to MGNREGA and other vital laws.