Lok Sabha: New Rural Employment Bill Introduced to Replace MGNREGA, House Adjourned

The government on Tuesday introduced a new rural employment legislation, the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, proposing to replace the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Bill was tabled by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and triggered strong protests from opposition parties, leading to the adjournment of the House.

While introducing the Bill, Chauhan said the government not only believes in Mahatma Gandhi but also follows his principles. Amid the opposition's uproar, he asserted that the Modi government had undertaken more initiatives for rural development than previous administrations.

The introduction of the VB-G RAM G Bill sparked sharp criticism from opposition members, who demanded that the proposed legislation on rural employment be referred to a parliamentary committee for detailed examination and wider scrutiny.

The government, however, maintained that the new policy reflects its continued commitment to Gandhian ideals while aiming to strengthen and reform rural employment mechanisms.