The Centre is planning to repeal the rural jobs scheme MGNREGA and replace it with a new law called the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), also known as VB G-RAM-G. The proposal has sparked political debate, with the Congress questioning why the government wants to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme.
According to the government, the new Bill will increase guaranteed rural employment from 100 to 125 days a year. It will focus on areas such as water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood creation and climate and disaster resilience. The Bill is part of the government’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
A whip has been issued to BJP MPs, asking them to be present in Parliament to ensure the Bill is passed. The government says the new law will provide a modern framework for rural development and ensure timely wage payments, along with an unemployment allowance if work is not provided.
MGNREGA was launched in 2005 by the UPA government. It guarantees 100 days of paid work to rural households and made employment a legal right. Over the past two decades, the scheme has played a major role in supporting rural incomes.
Senior Congress leader and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the move, questioning the need to remove the name of Mahatma Gandhi. She said changing the name would lead to unnecessary spending without offering clear benefits.
Under the proposed law, work will be divided into four categories: water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood infrastructure and disaster resilience. Work will not be carried out during peak farming seasons. The Bill also proposes the use of biometric attendance and geotagging to improve transparency, along with a grievance redressal system.
Another key change is funding. Under MGNREGA, the Centre pays the full cost of unskilled labour wages. The new scheme is expected to increase the financial responsibility of state governments.
Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan said the ruling party earlier targeted leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, and is now questioning Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy. As per NDTV report, she said the government should focus on improving and expanding the scheme instead of changing its name.
