Govt. introduces Bill to replace MGNREGA amid loud protests, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025 was introduced to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
• Opposition parties protested the introduction of the Bill, demanding further scrutiny and raising concerns about weakening employment rights.
• The Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated the Bill aligns with Gandhian ideals and aims to establish Ram Rajya in villages.
• Opposition leaders criticized the Bill, alleging it weakens the rights-based structure of MGNREGA and centralizes decision-making.

Detailed Insights:

• MGNREGA, a demand-driven program, provided a legal guarantee for 100 days of wage employment to rural households, while the new bill shifts to a pre-decided budget.
• Concerns were raised that reducing the Centre’s funding share from 90% to 60% would strain state finances, especially with existing GST compensation delays.
• The opposition argues that removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from the scheme strips it of its moral compass and historical legitimacy.
• The proposed bill aims to create a balance between agriculture and labor, with the government promising 125 days of work, which the opposition dismisses as hollow.

Key Concepts Involved:

• MGNREGA: A social security scheme guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to rural households enhancing livelihood security.
• Fiscal Federalism: The financial relationship between the central and state governments, including revenue sharing and expenditure responsibilities.
• Ram Rajya: An ideal state characterized by good governance, justice, and the well-being of all citizens, inspired by the reign of Lord Rama.