Clash Over MGNREGA as Shivraj Singh Chauhan Tables ‘VB Ji Ramji’ Bill Today

New Delhi: Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan is going to present a bill named 'Developed India Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural)' in the Lok Sabha today. This is being called VB-G RAM G Bill in short.

This bill has been prepared to replace the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Under MGNREGA, which has been in force for the last several years, rural families have been given a legal guarantee of 100 days of employment, but in the new bill there is a provision to increase this number of days to 125. Financial and administrative responsibilities will also be changed in this bill in today's session of Parliament. 

What the new law may change?

The new bill will completely abolish the MGNREGA law and replace it. With this change, many conditions related to employment guarantees will be changed, and states will be given the responsibility of more financial shares. The aim of the new law is being said to be to bring employment and livelihood in a new structure in rural areas, but there are clear differences between political parties regarding its impact. 

Why did the opposition raise questions on the government's action?

Even before the discussion related to the bill began, the opposition parties had taken a sharp stance on the government's decisions. Congress has raised questions on the naming of the bill and changing the importance of MGNREGA. Many Congress leaders have said that removing Mahatma Gandhi's name gives a wrong signal and this step may hurt the basic objective of the scheme. The opposition has said that this is not just a change in name and structure but a step to weaken the existing social security law. 

What is the reaction of Congress leaders?

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that it is not appropriate to remove Gandhiji's name from schemes related to rural development and employment. He said the connection between the ideals of Gram Swaraj and Ram Rajya should be deeply rooted, but changing the name of the scheme ignores those core connections. Similarly, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the government's intention behind removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and said that this will increase expenditure in offices and departments and the debate on real issues will reduce.

Why are voices of protest being raised?

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has said that the opposition does not consider this bill as just an attempt to change the name, but it is a step to cut the 'strong social security law'. He said that ending MGNREGA means attacking the rights of the poor and workers. Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has urged that this bill should be sent to the Standing Committee for detailed discussion. 

Is there a possibility of a ruckus in the Parliament session today?

Since this bill introduces a major change in a long-standing social security law, it is expected to lead to a heated parliamentary debate and uproar in the Lok Sabha today. Due to the tough stance of the opposition, there may be disruption in the proceedings of the House, and there may also be a demand for detailed discussion on this bill.