Opposition Uproar in Parliament After President Murmu References VB-G RAM G Act
New law to replace MGNREGA triggers sloganeering, demands for rollback
New Delhi, Jan 28: President Droupadi Murmu’s mention of the VB-G RAM G Act during her address to the joint sitting of Parliament on Wednesday led to strong protests from opposition parties, with members raising slogans and demanding the withdrawal of the new law.
Referring to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), the President said the legislation would ensure 125 days of assured employment, curb corruption and leakages, and give fresh momentum to rural development. Treasury bench members welcomed the remarks by thumping their desks.
Opposition MPs, however, disrupted the address by shouting slogans such as “vapas lo” (roll it back), forcing the President to briefly pause her speech. The VB-G RAM G Act is proposed to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Opposition parties have opposed the move, arguing that the new framework dilutes the rights-based nature of MGNREGA, weakens the guaranteed right to work, and undermines the role of panchayats. They have demanded the restoration of MGNREGA in its original form.
The government has maintained that the VB-G RAM G Act will strengthen rural employment mechanisms and improve delivery by addressing inefficiencies in the existing system.
