The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, commonly referred to as the VB-G RAM G Bill, amid loud protests by opposition members, forcing the House to be adjourned soon after its passage.
The Bill, piloted by the Ministry of Rural Development, seeks to introduce a new statutory framework for rural employment and livelihoods. The government has said the proposed legislation aims to strengthen job creation in rural areas and align employment schemes with its broader “Viksit Bharat” vision.
Proceedings in the Lower House were repeatedly disrupted as opposition MPs objected to the Bill, alleging that it effectively replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and dilutes the rights-based guarantee of employment provided under the existing law. Members raised slogans, moved to the well of the House and demanded that the Bill be withdrawn or referred to a parliamentary committee.
Despite the protests, the Bill was taken up for consideration and passed by a voice vote. Soon after, the continuing uproar prompted the Speaker to adjourn the House for the day.
Replying to the debate, the government defended the legislation, asserting that the new framework would expand employment opportunities, improve implementation mechanisms and provide greater flexibility to states while ensuring livelihoods for rural households. The government also rejected opposition claims that the employment guarantee was being weakened.
Opposition parties, however, maintained that the Bill undermines MGNREGA, a flagship social security law, and accused the government of pushing through a major policy change without adequate discussion or consensus.
With its passage in the Lok Sabha amid heightened political confrontation, the Bill is expected to be taken up next in the Rajya Sabha, where further debate is anticipated.
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