G RAM G Bill to replace MNREGA… Passed in Rajya Sabha amidst massive uproar

New Delhi. A crucial bill that will transform rural employment was passed by both houses of Parliament during the winter session amidst heavy protests and unrest. This bill, the Developed India Guaranteed Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM G), will replace the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday afternoon despite protests and walkouts from the House. The debate in the Rajya Sabha continued until after midnight, and voting began at approximately 12:15 AM.

Despite strong objections from the Congress party against removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name and adopting a new name, the outcome was a foregone conclusion given the majority. Nevertheless, the opposition strongly protested, initially demanding that the bill be sent to a standing committee. Later, they demanded that the bill be withdrawn entirely. Finally, they walked out of the House, and the bill was passed in both houses in the presence of members of the ruling alliance.

Earlier, in a heated debate in the Rajya Sabha, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the proposed program, saying it would ruin the poor and urged the government to withdraw the law. Addressing Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Kharge said, “Chouhan ji, think again. There is still time to withdraw the law. There is still time… The government has withdrawn many laws. Did the government suffer any setback? You withdrew the three black laws related to agriculture. If you withdraw this law too, you will become a hero. You will be called not just ‘Mama’, but ‘Mamaji’.”

He further added, “You utter ‘Ram’ on your lips and hold a dagger in your hand!” You keep saying “Ram Ram” to the poor, but you have a dagger hidden behind your back… I haven’t seen my mother… I swear by her, I swear by Mother India, that this law is not good for the poor.