G RAM G Bill clears both Houses, Pg5

Key Highlights:

• The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM G), intended to repeal MGNREGA, was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
• The Rajya Sabha passed the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025 half an hour after midnight, despite opposition protests.
• The new Bill seeks to increase guaranteed employment days from 100 to 125.
• The funding pattern will change, with the Centre providing 60% of all costs and states 40%.
• The estimated cost to increase employment guarantee to 125 days is over Rs 1.51 lakh crore, with the Centre bearing over Rs 95,000 crore.

Detailed Insights:

• The VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025 aims to replace MGNREGA, with the government stating that MGNREGA had faults and was prone to corruption.
• The Union Rural Development Minister stated that expenditure on MGNREGA significantly increased under the Modi government compared to the UPA government.
• Opposition members argue that the bill weakens the rights of the poor and was passed without proper consultation, potentially burdening states financially due to the changed cost-sharing arrangement.
• The government asserts that the new scheme will lead to all-round development of rural areas, empower the rural economy, and connect rural India with Viksit Bharat.
• The opposition criticizes the bill as a political tool, alleging it ignores democratic practices and consultation, and views it as a dole before elections rather than a right.

Key Concepts Involved:

• MGNREGA: A flagship rural employment scheme guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
• Viksit Bharat: A vision for a developed India, encompassing various aspects of economic and social progress.
• Federal System: A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.