VB-G Ram G Bill: Major Change in Rural Employment Law! Lok Sabha Passes ‘Developed India – G Ram G Bill 2025’

VB-G Ram G Bill: A monumental shift is on the horizon for India’s rural employment landscape as the Lok Sabha has passed the ‘Developed India – Ji Ram Ji Bill, 2025’, effectively repealing the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Despite fierce opposition and uproar within the lower house, the bill was cleared, paving the way for a new statutory framework for rural livelihoods.

Highlights of the New Legislation

The newly passed legislation is officially titled the “Develop India Guarantee for Employment and Livelihoods Mission (Rural), 2025.” This act is set to replace the existing MGNREGA framework, which has been the backbone of rural employment security in India for nearly 20 years. The government asserts that this new mission will bring revitalized energy to the rural economy. The discussion on this crucial bill extended late into Wednesday night, with 99 members participating in the debate.

Opposition Demands and Speaker’s Ruling

The proceedings on Thursday witnessed high drama as Opposition parties vehemently protested the bill’s passage. Congress MP KC Venugopal led the charge, demanding that a bill of such magnitude be referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee or a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny. He emphasized that sending it to a committee was the sentiment of the entire House and offered cooperation.

However, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla rejected this demand. He reasoned that an extensive discussion had already taken place, lasting well past midnight, allowing members from all parties to express their views. Speaker Birla criticized the opposition’s method of protest, stating it was not in line with proper parliamentary practice.

Government’s Stance

Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while replying to the debate, dismissed the opposition’s allegations. He stated that the Modi government continues to implement schemes inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, asserting that Gandhi lives in their hearts. He termed the opposition’s disruption as a violation of Gandhian principles of non-violence. Following his address, the bill was passed by a voice vote, and the House was adjourned until Friday morning.