‘G RAM G’ Bill Passed in Lok Sabha Amid Heated Opposition and Chaos

New Delhi: Despite strong opposition protests, the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill, 2025, replacing the MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sharply criticized opposition parties during the proceedings.

Opposition Protests and Disruptions

The debate over the bill on Wednesday extended late into the night, with opposition members demanding that the legislation be referred to the Departmental Parliamentary Standing Committee for further scrutiny. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal renewed this demand on Thursday before the minister responded, but the Speaker rejected the request. During the discussions, some opposition members reportedly tore copies of the bill and threw papers in the chamber, creating a chaotic scene.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan Responds to Opposition

Minister Chouhan defended the bill, stating that successive governments have launched various rural development programs over the decades, from the 1960-61 Rural Manpower Programme to MNREGA. He accused Congress of politicizing Mahatma Gandhi’s name for electoral gains in 2009 while failing to effectively implement the scheme. In contrast, he said, the Modi government has successfully operationalized and expanded rural employment initiatives.

Highlighting achievements under the new government, Chouhan noted:

• Employment generation: 3,210 crore labor days under Modi government vs. 1,660 crore during Congress-led UPA rule.
• Women’s participation: increased from 48% to 56.73%.
• Budget enhancement: MNREGA’s allocation increased from 35,000 crore under UPA to 1,11,000 crore under NDA, with a 2025-26 proposal of 1,51,282 crore rupees for wages and village development.

Focus on Transparency and Development

Chouhan accused Congress of corruption and misuse of funds in previous programs, asserting that the new bill ensures that financial resources are fully directed toward employment generation, infrastructure, and village development. He emphasized provisions for disaster management, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes, and persons with disabilities, including issuance of employment guarantee cards.

The minister further explained that the 60:40 funding ratio between the Centre and states aims to increase state participation and accountability, creating model villages with access to employment, education, governance, clean water, healthcare, nutrition, lighting, and paved roads.

Gandhi’s Ideals Embedded in Action

Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserted that Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals remain alive through government programs, from PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Saubhagya Scheme, to Atal Pension Yojana. “Gandhi is not just on posters and pictures but in the actions reaching every citizen,” he said.