MNREGA: VB-G Ram G Bill passed in Lok Sabha amidst protest by Opposition, what Mallikarjun Kharge and AAP MP Sanjay Singh said?
The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 or (VB-G Ram G) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
The 'VB-G-RAMJI' bill will replace the UPA-era MNREGA scheme.
Opposition MPs staged a protest in the Parliament complex on Thursday against the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Several prominent leaders were present during the protest.
Besides the name change, several other modifications have been made to MNREGA under the new central government act, and opposition parties are protesting this decision.
During the protest, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the issue is not about changing the name of MNREGA or making modifications to it.
He stated that the right to work, which was granted by them, is being taken away.
Mallikarjun Kharge said, "This is a very big issue and it will create immense difficulties for poor people, especially those from backward and Dalit communities who used to work under this scheme."
He added, "We will fight against this, we will take to the streets, and there will be a movement against this in all districts and states. This is not a question of a name; it is about rights."
Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh commented on the bill, saying, "This is a huge betrayal, and I want to warn the government that just as you withdrew the three black laws against farmers, you will have to withdraw this bill as well."
He added, "There will be a nationwide movement against this bill. You are trying to hide your wrongdoing behind the name of this bill."
Several changes have been made to the MNREGA scheme and the central government's new act, apart from the name, and opposition parties are protesting against the government's decision.