Is the Govt Set to Pass the VB-G RAM G Bill in This Parliament Session?
Synopsis
The Indian government, led by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is pushing for the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill, aiming to transform rural employment policies. This bill promises to enhance wage guarantees for rural households and reshape the employment landscape, but faces opposition criticism regarding the legacy of MGNREGA.
Key Takeaways
125 days of guaranteed wage employment for rural households.
Restructuring of MGNREGA into the VB-G RAM G Scheme.
Government's allocation of Rs 7.50 lakh crore over five years.
Importance of preserving the legacy of MGNREGA.
Need for transparency and continuity in rural employment policies.
New Delhi, Dec 16 (NationPress) Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, unveiled the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The government is resolute in its intent to secure the passage of this bill during the ongoing parliamentary session, as per insider reports.
Supporters of the bill assert that renaming employment initiatives is a common practice, referencing the evolution from Jawahar Rozgar Yojana to NREGA, and subsequently to MGNREGA, as a part of a continuous development in rural employment strategies.
Insiders indicate that a failure to pass the bill within the current session could complicate budget allocations, as the VB–G RAM G presents a new scheme necessitating a fresh legal framework.
Once this legislation is enacted, rural laborers will be required to re-register under the new law to access benefits.
The proposed law aspires to create a new rural development structure in alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Through this bill, the government aims to ensure a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment annually for each rural household whose adult members willingly engage in unskilled manual labor.
The bill emphasizes empowerment, growth, convergence, and saturation to foster a thriving and resilient rural India.
This legislative proposal effectively seeks to rename and restructure the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) into the new VB–G RAM G Scheme.
The introduction of this bill has met with significant criticism from the opposition, with prominent Congress figure Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders accusing the government of trying to undermine the legacy and purpose of MGNREGA.
In response to concerns regarding employment guarantees, government officials noted that nearly 40 lakh families have already benefited from 100 days of work under MGNREGA, countering assertions that workers do not receive the promised employment.
The government has earmarked Rs 7.50 lakh crore over the next five years for this new scheme, underscoring its substantial commitment to enhancing rural livelihoods. If enacted, the VB–G RAM G Bill will supersede MGNREGA, increasing guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125, and reimagining India’s rural employment landscape for the future, according to analysts.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge that the introduction of the VB-G RAM G Bill presents a significant shift in rural employment policy. While the government's intentions may aim to enhance livelihood opportunities, the criticism from opposition parties highlights the need for transparency and continuity in employment guarantees. The legacy of MGNREGA must be preserved, ensuring that rural workers continue to receive the support they need.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VB-G RAM G Bill?
The VB-G RAM G Bill is a proposed legislation aimed at providing a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment annually to each rural household in India.
Why is the government pushing for this bill now?
The government is eager to pass this bill in the current parliamentary session to establish a new legal framework for rural employment and enhance budgetary provisions.
What changes does the bill propose compared to MGNREGA?
The bill seeks to restructure MGNREGA, increasing the guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125 and introducing a new scheme for rural employment.
How will this bill affect rural households?
Once enacted, rural households will need to register under the new law to access benefits, ensuring a more robust framework for wage employment.
What is the government's budget allocation for this scheme?
The government has planned to allocate Rs 7.50 lakh crore over the next five years for the VB-G RAM G scheme.
