Short Description
The Indian government’s plans to replace MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Bill sparks controversy, as Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi questions the motives behind removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name.
Read Time
3 minutes, 30 seconds
Main Article
The Indian government is poised to replace the popular rural employment guarantee scheme, MGNREGA, with a new legislative framework known as the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025. This new initiative aims to align rural livelihoods with the government’s long-term vision, effectively responding to modern economic challenges while attempting to enhance rural employment opportunities. However, the change has ignited considerable debate, particularly among political factions, including strong criticism from Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi.
Priyanka Gandhi has publicly expressed her discontent regarding the government’s decision to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme. She argues that such a move is unnecessary and points out the financial implications associated with changing names on official documents and signage—a process she describes as wasteful. “Why is Mahatma Gandhi’s name being removed? It seems like the government is squandering its resources on trivial matters instead of focusing on pressing issues faced by the rural population,” she asserted. This criticism highlights the complexities involved in renaming governmental programs, as these changes often lead to widespread administrative disruptions along with added costs.
As the VB-G RAM G Bill introduces a suite of new benefits, it promises to guarantee 125 days of wage employment per financial year to rural households, a slight increase from the previous 100 days mandated by MGNREGA. This new bill is positioned as a transformative step towards “empowerment, growth, convergence, and saturation” in the rural sector. According to rural development minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, this change symbolizes a shift from an entitlement-based approach towards a more proactive and developmental strategy in rural employment policy.
However, the bill’s connotations reach beyond merely tweaking an existing framework; it signifies a potential overhaul of one of India’s most extensive social welfare programs. Advocates claim that this transformation is vital for promoting innovation and efficiency in rural job schemes, but critics warn that such changes may also undermine the foundational support that MGNREGA has provided to marginalized communities over the past two decades. Thus, the transition invites scrutiny regarding its long-term effectiveness and viability in enhancing rural livelihoods.
Short Summary
The impending shift from MGNREGA to the VB-G RAM G Bill raises crucial discussions on rural employment in India. While the government aims to enhance job opportunities, critics like Priyanka Gandhi worry about resource waste and the implications of removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name. As this new chapter unfolds, the focus remains on sustainable rural development and the future of employment policy in India.
