VB-G RAM G Bill Passed: Parliament Passes VB-G RAM G Bill Amidst Opposition Protests, Replaces MGNREGA
VB-G RAM G Bill Passed - Parliament Passes VB-G RAM G Bill Amidst Opposition Protests, Replaces MGNREGA
Parliament on Thursday approved the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rural Employment and Livelihood Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, marking a significant shift in India's rural employment landscape, while the bill, which was passed amidst considerable uproar and strong opposition from various political parties, is set to replace the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This new legislation aims to bolster employment opportunities in rural areas by guaranteeing 125 days of rural employment each year, an increase of 25 days compared to the previous scheme.
Fierce Opposition and Walkout in Parliament
The passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill was met with intense protests in both houses of Parliament. After being passed by the Lok Sabha, it was introduced in the Rajya Sabha late on Thursday night, where opposition members vehemently opposed it. The opposition accused the government of removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from. The MGNREGA scheme and imposing an undue financial burden on states. During the debate, several opposition members staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha, demanding the withdrawal of the bill and raising slogans against the government, while some MPs even tore pages of the bill, prompting Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan to warn them against approaching the Treasury Benches.Overnight Dharna Outside Constitution House
Following their walkout from the house, opposition parties escalated their protest by. Staging a 12-hour overnight dharna outside the Constitution House within the Parliament premises. The protesting MPs also demanded that the bill be sent to a parliamentary panel for further scrutiny. They argued that such a crucial piece of legislation warranted more deliberation to fully assess its potential impacts and address the concerns of all stakeholders. This overnight protest underscored the unity of the opposition and their profound dissatisfaction with the government's move.Minister Shivraj Chouhan's Counter-Allegations
Responding to the five-hour-long discussion on the bill in the Rajya Sabha, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan refuted the opposition's allegations. He accused the Congress party of repeatedly undermining Mahatma Gandhi's ideals and using his name for political gain. Minister Chouhan emphasized that the bill was essential for the development of rural. India and would help provide employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the nation's progress. He characterized the opposition's protest, particularly their refusal to listen to his response, as an act akin to assassinating Mahatma Gandhi's dreams and ideals.Allegations of Corruption in MGNREGA During UPA Rule
While presenting the bill for passage, Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserted its critical importance for providing employment opportunities, aiding rural development, and advancing the country. He also highlighted alleged widespread corruption within the MGNREGA scheme during the UPA regime. Minister Chouhan claimed that MGNREGA was riddled with corruption during the UPA's tenure, with insufficient funds being spent on material procurement for designated works. He stated that the new bill aims to rectify these shortcomings and make the scheme more transparent and effective.Rural Development Crucial for a Developed Nation
Shivraj Chouhan underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a developed nation, emphasizing that rural development is paramount to achieving this goal. He stated that the VB-G RAM G Bill is a significant step in this direction, designed to strengthen the rural economy and empower the rural population. The Minister urged the opposition to engage in constructive discussion, stating that merely making allegations and walking out of the house wasn't conducive to the democratic process. He expressed hope that the opposition would listen to his response with patience, just as he had listened to their arguments.