New Delhi, Dec 19: The Indian government has introduced the Developed India – Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, 2025, commonly known as the G RAM G Bill, signaling a major transformation in the rural employment sector. The legislation replaces the two decade old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a framework that integrates guaranteed work with sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience, and predictable public spending, aligning with the long-term vision of Developed India 2047.
Parliament Approves Amid Opposition:
On Thursday, Parliament approved the bill, promising 125 days of rural wage employment annually. Despite fierce opposition, the Rajya Sabha passed the legislation by voice vote just after midnight. Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the bill, stating that it addresses structural deficiencies of the previous scheme, enhances job creation, and fosters rural development.
Opposition Protests and Concerns:
Opposition parties objected to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name and criticized the shifting of financial responsibility to states. Members of the Trinamool Congress staged a 12-hour sit in protest at Parliament’s Constitution Hall and demanded the bill be referred to a parliamentary committee for thorough review. Slogans were raised, copies of the legislation were torn, and a nationwide movement was announced.
Government’s Defense:
Chouhan emphasized the bill’s role in improving rural livelihoods, ensuring timely digital wage payments, and offering unemployment benefits if work is not provided within 15 days. He also criticized the previous UPA government, stating that MGNREGA faced corruption issues and mismanagement of funds. The minister highlighted that linking employment to asset creation, irrigation, water conservation, and connectivity projects would directly benefit farmers and laborers while safeguarding rural productivity.
Implications for Rural India:
The G RAM G Bill seeks to redefine rural employment from a mere safety net to a tool for sustainable development. By connecting guaranteed work to long-term infrastructure and climate mitigation projects, the legislation aims to provide greater earning potential, structured work schedules, and enhanced livelihood opportunities for rural communities.
Conclusion:
Framed as a cornerstone of India’s rural transformation, the G RAM G Bill is designed to reduce poverty, increase incomes, and foster diversified livelihoods, heralding a new era where rural employment is tied to development rather than solely serving as welfare support.