Union Minister Defends New Rural Job Guarantee Bill Against Opposition Criticism
Arjun Ram Meghwal defends new rural job guarantee bill amid opposition protests.
The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM-G Bill), replacing MGNREGA with a revised framework guaranteeing 125 days of wage employment for rural households. The legislation has sparked sharp criticism from Opposition leaders, who alleged it was pushed through without adequate discussion.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal defended the Bill, stating that reforms and improvements are a natural part of any welfare scheme. He emphasized that employment programmes existed even before MGNREGA and that changing a scheme’s name does not alter its fundamental objectives. Meghwal also pointed out that similar revisions were undertaken when Opposition parties were in power.
Highlighting the government’s vision, Meghwal said the revised framework increases the number of works under these schemes, with a focus on rural infrastructure, water conservation, and security planning. He added that disaster management in villages will also be strengthened, with technology playing a key role in planning and execution.
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Opposition MPs, however, strongly criticised the manner in which the Bill was cleared. RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha and Congress leaders Mallu Ravi and Jothimani Sennimalai alleged that the government ignored requests to refer the Bill to a parliamentary or standing committee. They accused the ruling party of bypassing democratic processes and exhibiting dictatorial tendencies.
Several Opposition leaders also objected to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme, arguing it undermines the legacy of the Father of the Nation and the principles of MGNREGA. They claimed the government’s approach showed a lack of respect for parliamentary norms and public trust.
Despite protests and walkouts, the Lok Sabha passed the VB-G RAM-G Bill via a voice vote. Meghwal maintained that the legislation strengthens rural employment schemes and is designed to meet present-day requirements, insisting that improvements and reforms are essential for effective governance.
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