VB-G RAM G Bill Replaces MGNREGA Amidst Stormy Debate, Opposition Protests

• Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM G) passed Rajya Sabha, replacing MGNREGA after a stormy debate and opposition walkout.
• The new bill increases wage employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days but shifts to a 60:40 Centre-state fund-sharing model and a budget-capped "normative allocation."
• A controversial 60-day "agricultural pause" allows states to suspend public works during peak farming seasons, drawing criticism for curtailing worker autonomy.
• The mission focuses on creating durable assets through the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack, prioritizing water security and climate resilience.
• Opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, accused the government of dismantling rights and insulting the Father of the Nation, while Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended it against corruption claims.

Why It Matters: VB-G RAM G Bill replaces MGNREGA, sparking fierce debate over its structural changes and impact.