Is the Viksit Bharat GRAMG Bill Truly Aligned with Gandhi’s Ideals?
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Synopsis
As the Congress party prepares for a national protest against the Viksit Bharat GRAMG Bill, Union Minister Giriraj Singh defends the bill's alignment with Gandhian ideals and its focus on poverty alleviation. The political tension highlights the ongoing struggle over rural employment rights and welfare.
Key Takeaways
- Viksit Bharat GRAMG Bill is aligned with Gandhian principles.
- Congress plans nationwide protests against the bill.
- The bill is seen as a threat to MGNREGA.
- Government emphasizes outreach to clarify the bill's intentions.
- Political tensions are high regarding rural employment rights.
New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) In light of the Congress party's announcement of a countrywide protest, Union Minister Giriraj Singh emphasized on Sunday that the Viksit Bharat GRAMG Bill is fundamentally aligned with Gandhian values and aims to uplift the poor.
“Following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, we have been dedicated to his mission for the underprivileged, actively pursuing it for 125 days…” Giriraj Singh remarked, refuting the Congress-led opposition's allegations that the bill jeopardizes rural employment guarantees.
The Congress party has accused the new legislation of undermining the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and has declared a nationwide agitation starting January 10.
Reiterating the government's perspective, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the Centre will initiate a comprehensive outreach to clarify the bill's intentions to the public. “Our national leaders will conduct programs to disseminate accurate information. They will engage with the community to convey the truth, as this issue directly affects workers, farmers, and rural inhabitants…” he asserted, highlighting the misinformation surrounding the bill.
The ministers' statements come amid intense scrutiny from the Congress, which declared a 45-day nationwide protest against the GRAMG Act beginning January 10. The party claims that this legislation “quietly dismantles” MGNREGA and diminishes the legal right to work guaranteed to rural citizens.
This announcement was made during a press briefing at the Congress office in New Delhi by party general secretary K.C. Venugopal and senior leader Jairam Ramesh. Venugopal stated that the Congress has devised a detailed strategy to safeguard MGNREGA through a nationwide campaign named ‘MNREGA Bachao Abhiyan’.
“GRAMG is a law passed by the Indian government. There was a serious discussion regarding the future course of action against this law, and the Congress National Committee resolved to launch a vigorous campaign across the nation to protect MGNREGA,” Venugopal added.
Labeling the legislation as detrimental, he continued, “This law seeks to extinguish MGNREGA. Thanks to MGNREGA, hunger has decreased, migration has lessened, and infrastructure such as roads, canals, and dams have been developed. During the Covid era and economic turmoil, MGNREGA served as a safety net for the nation’s populace.”
With the government defending the bill as beneficial for the poor and the Congress rallying protests nationwide, the Viksit Bharat GRAMG Bill has become a significant point of contention in the political discourse regarding rural employment and welfare policy.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the complexity of the Viksit Bharat GRAMG Bill within the broader context of rural welfare and employment. While the government claims it upholds Gandhian values, the opposition's concerns about its impact on MGNREGA highlight a significant divide in perspectives on rural policy. Observers must weigh both sides to fully understand the potential implications for India's rural population.
NationPress
05/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Viksit Bharat GRAMG Bill?
The Viksit Bharat GRAMG Bill is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing rural employment and welfare, based on principles rooted in Gandhian values.
Why is Congress opposing the GRAMG Bill?
Congress argues that the GRAMG Bill undermines the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), which guarantees legal rights to work for rural citizens.
When is the Congress party's protest planned?
The Congress party has announced a 45-day nationwide agitation against the GRAMG Act starting January 10.
What is the significance of MNREGA?
The MNREGA has been crucial in reducing hunger and migration, providing a safety net for the rural population during crises.
How is the government addressing misinformation regarding the bill?
The government plans to launch outreach programs to communicate the true intentions of the GRAMG bill and counter any misinformation.
