VB-G RAM G’ Bill Faces Opposition Call for Committee Scrutiny BJP Defends Measures
BJP defends renaming and funding changes as opposition criticises removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name and financial implications
New Delhi, Dec 18: The Lok Sabha witnessed a marathon debate of nearly 14 hours on Wednesday over the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G (Gramin Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission) Amendment Bill, with opposition parties demanding that the proposed legislation be referred to the Standing Committee. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, defended the Bill as a decisive step toward achieving a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
Congress MP K Suresh urged the House to send the Bill for detailed scrutiny, emphasising the importance of the legislation. Several Congress MPs objected to the renaming of the scheme and changes in its funding pattern, particularly the shift from 100% central funding to a 60:40 sharing with states.
Congress MP Vamsi Krishna Gaddam criticised the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme, alleging that the government’s decisions reflected ideological motives. Praniti Shinde said the legislation was being rushed and weakened, while Gurjeet Singh Aujla highlighted the financial burden imposed on state governments.
Defending the Bill, BJP MP Jagadambika Pal said the amendment strengthens rural employment and livelihood security, guaranteeing 125 days of work compared to 100 days under the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He noted that a Central Council representing states and labour organisations would ensure cooperative federalism in policy decisions.
BJP MP Basavaraj S. Bommai added that the changes address the evolving needs of rural India and aim to curb fund misuse through technological oversight. Nishikant Dubey accused Congress of politicising the scheme and highlighted its historic corruption, arguing that national figures like Mahatma Gandhi should not be used for political purposes.
The debate was historic for its duration, marking the first time since 1970 that the Lok Sabha held more than 14 hours of discussion on a single Bill. Speaker allowances enabled all members to voice their perspectives.
Separately, the Lok Sabha will discuss air pollution across the country on Thursday, with Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav scheduled to respond at 5 pm. The discussion was requested by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who stressed the urgent need for a systematic plan to address deteriorating air quality, particularly its impact on children’s health.
