BJP Defends New G-RAM-G Bill Amid Opposition Uproar

The BJP defended the G-RAM-G Bill, which replaces MGNREGA, against Congress criticism, highlighting its benefits like increased work days. The VB-G RAM-G Bill, introduced by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, faced backlash in Parliament. Congress protested, alleging it undermines Mahatma Gandhi's legacy in rural employment schemes.

In a fierce response to criticism from Congress, BJP leader Boora Narsaiah Goud defended the newly announced G-RAM-G Bill on Wednesday, which is set to replace the MGNREGA scheme. Goud claimed the bill rationalizes the existing system, offering substantial benefits such as an increase in workdays from 100 to 125 and a focus on infrastructure development, asserting that corruption marred the scheme in Congress-ruled states.

The Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, also known as the VB-G RAM-G Bill, was tabled by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday. Its introduction was met with significant opposition, with MPs from rival parties, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staging protests at the Parliament premises.

Opposition leaders expressed concern about the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the hallmark rural employment scheme, accusing the government of undermining the programme's legacy and intent. The new bill guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household and advocates a fund-sharing pattern favoring North Eastern and Himalayan states, while also allowing states to halt work during peak agricultural seasons.