What You Need to Know About the New Viksit Bharat Bill Passed Amid Protests

Lok Sabha Approves Viksit Bharat Bill Amid Opposition Protests

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha has passed the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM-G Bill) during a session filled with loud protests from the Opposition, using a voice vote on Thursday.

This new legislation replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and offers an improved guarantee of 125 days of wage employment each year for rural families, despite calls for more thorough examination.

Following the passage of the Bill, the House was adjourned until December 19. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the Bill amidst the uproar, contrasting the government's initiatives with the historical actions of the Opposition.

"The Congress party has worked against the ideals of Bapu, while Narendra Modi ji has strived to uphold them," he stated.

Chouhan referenced Mahatma Gandhi's vision, asserting that the Modi administration's key programs reflect Gandhian principles.

"Bapu lives on in the homes constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, in the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, in Ujjwala Yojana which has cleared smoke from ten crore kitchens, in Ayushman Bharat providing healthcare for 36 crore individuals, and in 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs offering affordable medicines," he remarked.

He also pointed out Gandhi's influence in initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Skill India, Atal Mission, and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.

"Bapu is not merely a figure in photographs; he resides in our hearts. His ideals are embodied in this scheme," Chouhan emphasized, referring to the Bill's 60:40 funding split between the Centre and states aimed at creating a "new India."

He stressed that this legislation is crucial for empowering the impoverished and enhancing rural infrastructure.

Chouhan concluded his passionate address with a poem by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlighting themes of national unity and advancement.

The Opposition, spearheaded by Congress, criticized the Bill as a threat to the demand-driven rights established by MGNREGA and labeled it an "insult" to Gandhi by omitting his name.

Protests persisted throughout the session, leading to several brief adjournments. Earlier, Congress member K.C. Venugopal called for the Bill to be sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee or the Standing Committee.

After the Bill's approval, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House for the day.