New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) The NDA defended the launch of the Viksit Bharat G RAM G Bill on Thursday, asserting that it will provide significant advantages for those in search of employment under the scheme. In contrast, the Opposition remained skeptical and vehemently criticized the government for stripping away Mahatma Gandhi's name from the legislation.

The Opposition conducted a protest outside Parliament on Thursday, wielding placards and chanting slogans against the government's decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

This protest came after the introduction of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), 2025, a Bill aimed at substituting the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

In defense of the proposed legislation, BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal informed IANS that the Bill truly broadens employment prospects and boosts the number of guaranteed workdays.

"Previously, the Ajeevika Mission was not part of MGNREGA, but now the Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission have been incorporated. Everyone will be given the opportunity to work for 125 days. Those desiring daily wage work will have this chance. This extension ensures that anyone unemployed can now engage in work under the Ajeevika scheme for 125 days. It’s a positive initiative. All work will be in the form of fixed assets. This is a noteworthy Bill that promises benefits for all," he stated.

Opposition leaders, however, remarked that the Bill was introduced without sufficient scrutiny, emphasizing the necessity for a thorough reassessment.

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed reporters, stating, "This is beyond a mere name change. MGNREGA embodies rights—the Right to Work that we have established. Those rights are being compromised. By eliminating its demand-driven characteristic, they will deny employment opportunities and subsequently assert that there is no demand. This is an infringement on individuals' rights, particularly impacting the poor, backward classes, and Dalits."

Congress MP Imran Masood also condemned the alteration, asserting, "They have dismantled the entire program. MGNREGA, initiated by Sonia Gandhi, was designed to support the impoverished, and it indeed did so."

Shiv Sena(UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi shared similar apprehensions and questioned the timing and motives behind the Bill's introduction.

Speaking to IANS, Chaturvedi remarked, "The Bill necessitates careful scrutiny before being approved. It was expedited at a moment when the parliamentary session was concluding, lacking proper evaluation of its merits and flaws. The shifting of the financial burden onto state governments is unjust. This Bill requires a reevaluation and should be directed to the JPC."

The Congress party also insisted that the controversy revolves around the exclusion of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the initiative, asserting that even NDA constituent parties are uneasy with this alteration.

Congress leader Rakesh Sinha conveyed to IANS, "Concerning the renaming of MGNREGA, it's not merely the Opposition; members of NDA constituent parties are also advocating against the change. This nation is rooted in Gandhi's legacy; hence, how can we erase his thoughts and name? Gandhi was the foundational figure behind MGNREGA, and the program closely aligns with his principles."

"Gandhi's influence is evident in this scheme, both directly and indirectly. By omitting his name, you disregard that affiliation. This nation belongs to Gandhi, and programs operating under his name should retain their titles and ideals. This situation should certainly be referred to a JPC. The Opposition will persist in its protests, and we will oppose this across the nation," he added.

In the meantime, NDA constituent parties Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party and JD(U) expressed support for the Bill.

Uttar Pradesh Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief O.P. Rajbhar informed IANS, "Changing a name does not affect anyone's true identity. Today, the entire world reveres and honors Mahatma Gandhi, and the nation acknowledges him. Everything is escalating—prices, inflation—and workers' wages should also rise in tandem with their output. Therefore, if we are guaranteeing 125 days of work, it is indeed a favorable development."

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar stated, "Objections are being raised regarding the Bill and its aims. This is not the first time an initiative's name has been altered; the primary concern is that we are providing a guarantee of 125 days. Workers are not questioning this; the Opposition has diverted the narrative. The focus must remain on the core issue, which is their responsibility to uphold."