Will Shivraj Singh Chouhan Respond to the G Ram G Bill in LS Today?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan to respond to the VB-G RAM-G Bill.
- The Bill guarantees 125 days of wage employment for rural families.
- Opposition raises concerns about job security.
- Discussion on air pollution in Delhi-NCR is underway.
- Significant bills passed in nuclear energy and insurance sectors.
New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to present the government's response regarding the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM-G Bill) today. This proposed legislation aims to replace the long-standing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new structure that guarantees 125 days of wage employment per year to rural families. The discussion phase of this Bill wrapped up on Wednesday.
Opposition critics have raised concerns, suggesting that it may diminish job guarantees driven by demand and shift financial responsibilities onto states. Conversely, supporters view it as a contemporary, convergence-oriented strategy that aligns with the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision, focusing on critical infrastructure such as water security and enhancing rural livelihoods.
The Lower House will also engage in a focused discussion under Rule 193 regarding the worsening air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, a matter brought up by several MPs including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (Congress), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), and Bansuri Swaraj (BJP).
This winter, Delhi's air quality has frequently plunged into hazardous conditions, prompting lawmakers to deliberate on mitigation strategies, public health ramifications, and inter-state collaboration.
Significant developments occurred on other fronts as well: the Lok Sabha approved the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, introduced by Minister Jitendra Singh. This legislation facilitates private sector involvement in nuclear energy generation, establishes a pragmatic civil liability framework, and confers statutory recognition to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
Advocates argue that this will expedite India's ambition of achieving 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, enhancing clean energy security amidst increasing demands from data centers and industries.
Additionally, in the Rajya Sabha, the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025 was cleared, permitting 100% Foreign Direct Investment in the insurance sector, an increase from the previous 74%.
The Upper House also approved the Repealing and Amending Bill, which abolishes 71 outdated laws. These actions are expected to attract international investments, improve insurance penetration, and strive for 'Insurance for All' by 2047.