The Lok Sabha witnessed chaotic scenes on Thursday after the G RAM G Bill, which seeks to revamp the rural employment programme, was passed. Soon after the legislation cleared the House, Opposition members staged loud protests, tearing copies of the Bill and raising slogans against the government.
The Centre has proposed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Grameen) popularly referred to as the G RAM G Bill to replace the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Introduced earlier this week, the Bill promises guaranteed employment for 125 days a year in rural areas and is being positioned by the government as part of its long-term vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.
As the House descended into disorder, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the move while responding to an eight-hour-long debate on the Bill. Chouhan argued that the original employment guarantee scheme did not carry Mahatma Gandhi’s name when it was first introduced and alleged that it was added later for political reasons during the 2009 elections.
The minister maintained that the current government remained committed to Mahatma Gandhi’s principles through its welfare programmes. He cited initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission and Ayushman Bharat as efforts aimed at improving the lives of the poor and marginalized.
However, the Opposition strongly objected to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the rural employment
framework. Members moved into the well of the House, shouted slogans and tore copies of the Bill, flinging them towards the Speaker’s chair and accusing the government of undermining Gandhi’s legacy.
The protests continued, with several MPs entering the well and disrupting proceedings. Some were seen tearing papers, prompting Speaker Om Birla to intervene. “The people have not sent you here to tear paper. The nation is watching you,” he said.
After the House was adjourned, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the Opposition would strongly resist the Bill. “Anyone who reads the Bill will understand that the rural employment guarantee scheme is being dismantled. This Bill shifts the funding burden to states, which do not have the resources. MGNREGA supports the poorest of the poor. This Bill is anti-poor,” she told reporters.
