Parliament Passes VB-G RAM G Bill, Replaces MGNREGA Amidst Fierce Opposition

• Parliament approved the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, replacing the 20-year-old MGNREGA.
• The new bill guarantees 125 days of annual employment in rural areas, passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• Opposition strongly protested, claiming the government insulted Mahatma Gandhi by removing his name and imposed financial burden on states, leading to walkouts and protests.
• Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the bill, citing MGNREGA's outdated nature and corruption during UPA rule, emphasizing rural development.
• The bill awaits presidential assent to become law, with the government aiming for its notification before the February budget session for fund allocation.

Why It Matters: New VB-G RAM G Bill replaces MGNREGA, guaranteeing 125 days rural employment despite strong opposition.