The BRICS TimesPresident Droupadi Murmu has approved the VB-G RAM G Act. This new law replaces the older MGNREGA scheme. The move has triggered political opposition. Critics allege increased centralisation and dilution of rural employment rights.
Presidential Assent and Government Defense
President Droupadi Murmu approved the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Bill, 2025 on Sunday. This new act replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Opposition parties continue their strong protests against the new legislation. The Central government is fighting back against the opposition. They accuse opponents of spreading false information about the new law.
With the President’s approval, the bill is now the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025. A formal notification was also published in the Gazette of India. The Rural Development Ministry released a statement. It called the new law a “decisive reform” for India’s rural employment framework. It also hailed it as a major step in the development sector.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attacked the opposition’s actions. He criticised the “conspiracy to mislead the country in the name of MGNREGA.” He posted on X in Hindi saying, “Misinformation is being spread.” He added that the “Viksit Bharat: G RAM G Scheme is the next step forward for MGNREGA.”
Chouhan dismissed all criticism regarding the new scheme. He said, “Worker brothers, now it’s not 100, but a guarantee of 125 days of work, legal guarantee.” He also noted that unemployment allowance provisions have been strengthened. This is for cases where work is not available. Additional amounts will be provided for delayed wages. He mentioned the large proposed budget. “More than ₹1,51,282 crore has been proposed this year itself.” This ensures sufficient funds are available for employment.
Opposition’s Concerns and Future Plans
The G RAM G legislation was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Friday. It has since caused a major political dispute. Opposition parties claim the government is changing the fundamental nature of the MGNREGA scheme. The Centre calls the reform a comprehensive move. It aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. However, the opposition has staged protests. They allege increased centralisation and a higher financial load on states. They also claim it shows a “disrespect to Mahatma Gandhi.”
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh raised concerns inside Parliament. Now, the party plans to intensify its opposition outside the House. Ramesh stated, “We raised issues, we asked questions in the Parliament.” He confirmed they “participated in the debate, and we raised objections.” He concluded, “We presented all our concerns and objections in detail.”
Ramesh announced an important meeting. “A Congress Working Committee meeting is scheduled for the 27th.” He continued, “We will discuss what kind of mass movement will be launched regarding this issue.” He stressed that “an action plan will definitely emerge.” He declared, “This will be a national movement across all states.” He called the legislation “a very big issue” for the party.
The Congress MP argued that the changes are fundamental. “Not just about changing the name,” he said. He claimed, “but you have changed the fundamental character itself.” He added, “You have changed the very face of it.” He views this as “a matter of principle and a legal right.” He also alleged greater centralisation in the new law. “The Prime Minister talks about the Gram Panchayat.” He then questioned the intent. “There is a vast difference between their words and their actions.”
Ramesh further claimed that the core MGNREGA principles are diluted. “The fundamental character of MGNREGA has been changed.” He added, “the basic structure of the scheme has been altered.” He alleged that Gram Panchayats’ decision-making power will shift to the Centre. He warned of fiscal stress and inadequate consultation with states. The G RAM G scheme is a centrally sponsored program. Funding will be a 60:40 split between the Centre and states. The ratio is 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan states. Union Territories without legislatures receive full central funding. Funds will be allocated to states based on objective factors. This allocation will not affect the legal right to employment.
