VB-G RAM G Bill Passed by Parliament Despite Opposition Protests and Walkouts

The VB-G RAM G Bill, aimed at replacing the two-decade-old MGNREGA, was passed by Parliament on Thursday. It promises 125 days of rural wage employment annually. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the new bill addresses flaws in the previous scheme. The Rajya Sabha approved it through a voice vote after the Lok Sabha's earlier approval, despite strong opposition protests.

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Opposition members expressed their discontent by staging a walkout during the Rajya Sabha session. They demanded the bill's withdrawal and criticised the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the existing scheme. In protest, they tore pages of the bill, prompting Chairman C P Radhakrishnan to caution them against approaching the treasury benches.

Opposition's Reaction and Protests

Following the bill's passage, opposition parties held a 12-hour overnight dharna outside the Samvidhan Sadan within the Parliament complex. They also called for the bill to be reviewed by a parliamentary panel. The opposition accused the government of shifting financial responsibilities onto states and using Gandhi's name for political gains.

During a five-hour discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Chouhan criticised Congress for allegedly misusing Mahatma Gandhi's ideals for political purposes. He argued that the new bill is essential for creating employment opportunities and advancing rural development in India.

Minister's Defence and Accusations

Chouhan accused Congress of corruption during its tenure, claiming that funds meant for MGNREGA were misused. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming India into a developed nation, emphasising the importance of village development in achieving this goal.

The minister shared data comparing MGNREGA's performance under different regimes. He claimed that while the UPA allocated Rs 2.13 lakh crore to the scheme, the NDA increased this to nearly Rs 8.53 lakh crore. Chouhan asserted that Mahatma Gandhi wanted Congress disbanded post-elections, but Jawaharlal Nehru retained it for political advantage.

Historical Context and Political Allegations

Chouhan accused Congress of repeatedly betraying Gandhi's ideals, citing instances like the Emergency and various scams. He claimed that adding Gandhi's name to MGNREGA in 2009 was politically motivated by Congress to gain electoral benefits.

The minister criticised opposition members for disrupting proceedings and alleged that their actions insult democracy. He stated, "The entire nation is watching their goondagardi and the opposition is committing the sin of insulting democracy." Chouhan emphasised that BJP has adopted Gandhi's social and economic views in its policies.

The debate over VB-G RAM G Bill highlights deep political divisions regarding rural employment schemes in India. While proponents argue it will enhance rural development, opponents fear it shifts burdens onto states and politicises Gandhi’s legacy.

With inputs from PTI