Parliament has cleared the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, marking a decisive shift in India’s rural employment framework by replacing the two-decade-old MGNREGA. The Bill was passed amid intense Opposition protests, with concerns raised over both the substance of the legislation and the manner in which it was pushed through the two Houses.
What Happened in Parliament?
The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha after a prolonged debate marked by disruptions, including Opposition members entering the well of the House and tearing copies of the legislation. In the Rajya Sabha, the debate began late in the evening and concluded past midnight, with the Bill being cleared by a voice vote amid loud protests.
Opposition parties criticised what they described as a rushed legislative process, arguing that members of the Upper House were given very limited time to move amendments. After the passage, several MPs staged a sit-in protest within the Parliament complex, accusing the government of bypassing parliamentary scrutiny.
Why the Government Sought to Replace MGNREGA
The government has argued that the earlier rural employment law suffered from structural weaknesses and widespread misuse of funds. According to the Rural Development Ministry, the original design of the scheme mandated a specific ratio between labour and material expenditure, which was allegedly not adhered to, leading to inefficient asset creation and leakages.
The new law, the government contends, aims to correct this imbalance by ensuring that large public spending is channelled not only into wages but also into durable and productive rural assets. The emphasis, officials argue, is on long-term development rather than short-term income support alone.
What Is VB-G RAM G Designed to Do?
The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) seeks to integrate rural employment with livelihood creation and infrastructure development. The programme prioritises works related to water security, rejuvenation of lakes, micro-irrigation channels, rural infrastructure, and assets that support livelihoods.
A key feature of the new framework is the consolidation of all assets under a unified national rural infrastructure stack. The stated objective is to build “fully developed villages” by aligning employment generation with climate resilience and mitigation of extreme weather events.
Opposition’s Concerns and Procedural Objections
Opposition parties have questioned both the intent and timing of the legislation. They argue that replacing a statutory employment guarantee with a new framework risks weakening the legal right to work, particularly for vulnerable rural households. Concerns have also been raised about the dilution of parliamentary oversight, especially after a request to refer the Bill to a parliamentary committee was declined.
Critics warn that without adequate safeguards, the new mission could prioritise asset creation over assured employment, altering the original social security character of rural employment policy.
Political Debate and Ideological Undertones
The debate around the Bill has also taken on a strong ideological tone, with sharp exchanges over the legacy of rural development policies and the interpretation of Gandhian ideals. The government has positioned the new law as a continuation of development-focused governance, while the Opposition has framed it as an erosion of rights-based welfare.
These exchanges underline that the issue is not merely administrative but deeply political, touching upon the broader philosophy of welfare, development, and the role of the state.
Why This Change Matters for Rural India
MGNREGA was widely regarded as a safety net during periods of agrarian distress, droughts, and economic shocks. Its replacement signals a shift from a pure employment guarantee towards a more asset- and infrastructure-driven rural strategy. How this balance plays out on the ground will determine whether the new framework can provide both livelihood security and sustainable development.
The success of VB-G RAM G will depend on its implementation, funding commitments, and the extent to which it can protect rural households against income insecurity while delivering durable development outcomes.
What to Note for Prelims?
- MGNREGA has been replaced by the VB-G RAM G Act.
- The new law focuses on employment linked with livelihood and infrastructure creation.
- Priority areas include water security, irrigation, rural infrastructure, and climate resilience.
- Assets will be integrated under a national rural infrastructure stack.
What to Note for Mains?
- Shift from rights-based employment guarantee to a development-linked employment mission.
- Debate over wage employment versus durable asset creation.
- Concerns regarding legislative process and parliamentary scrutiny.
- Implications for rural livelihoods, federal governance, and social security.
- Relevance in the context of climate adaptation and long-term rural development.
