Controversy Erupts Over Government's Plan to Revamp Rural Employment Scheme

V D Satheesan, Leader of Opposition in Kerala, criticized the central government's decision to replace MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025. He alleged the move reflects the ruling party's disregard for Gandhian ideals and its attempt to erase the legacy of Congress leaders in national schemes.

The introduction of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 has drawn sharp criticism from V D Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly. He accused the central government of attempting to diminish Mahatma Gandhi's legacy by replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Satheesan alleged that the decision reveals the ruling dispensation's discomfort with Gandhian ideals and their broader strategy of sidelining Congress contributions to Indian welfare. He noted parallels with the removal of former Congress Prime Ministers' names from various schemes, deeming it reflective of an effort to rewrite history.

The proposed bill aims to provide statutory guarantees of 125 days of wage employment to rural households, but critics argue it undermines the contributions of the original scheme. Satheesan urged a united national resistance against what he termed as an 'arrogant and high-handed' decision by the central government.

(With inputs from agencies.)