The government on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) introduced the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, which seeks to replace the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), amid Opposition protests. Members marched from the Lok Sabha chamber to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue on the Parliament premises, demanding the Bill be sent for further scrutiny.
Parliament Winter Session: Follow LIVE updates on December 16, 2025
Introducing the Bill, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “The (Narendra) Modi government has done more for rural development than previous governments. We not only believe in Mahatma Gandhi but also follow his principles... We will fully develop the village and work to establish a balance between agriculture and labour… This entire Bill is in line with Gandhiji’s sentiments and is meant to establish Ram Rajya.”
Opposition leaders strongly objected with the DMK’s T.R. Baalu saying, “The father of the nation is being ridiculed.”
Watch: Opposition protests as VB‑G RAM G Bill introduced to replace MGNREGA
