The Lok Sabha witnessed intense scenes on Thursday after the G RAM G Bill was passed. The Bill aims to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new rural employment programme.

Soon after the Bill cleared the House, Opposition members protested strongly. Several MPs tore copies of the Bill and threw them towards the Speaker’s chair, leading to chaos in the chamber.

What the G RAM G Bill proposes

The Centre introduced the legislation two days ago. Its full name is the Viksit Bharat Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Grameen), shortened as VB G RAM G.

The government said the new law will guarantee 125 days of employment every year for rural households. It is meant to replace the nearly 20-year-old MGNREGA framework.

According to the Centre, the Bill offers a fresh structure for rural jobs and livelihoods. It is also linked to the government’s long-term goal of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Chouhan responds during heated debate

Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan replied after an eight-hour debate on the Bill. He addressed criticism over removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme.

Chouhan said the original employment programme did not include Gandhi’s name when it was first launched. He claimed the Congress added the name later, ahead of the 2009 elections.

He also said the current government continues to follow Mahatma Gandhi’s principles through welfare schemes.

“Congress killed ideals of Bapu, NDA ensured Bapu lives through pucca houses built under the PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Ayushman Bharat," Chouhan said.

Opposition objects to dropping Gandhi’s name

Despite the minister’s defence, Opposition parties accused the government of disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi. They strongly opposed the removal of his name from the rural employment scheme.

Opposition MPs moved into the well of the House, raised slogans against the government, and protested the Bill’s passage. Many were seen tearing copies of the G RAM G Bill and throwing them inside the House.

The Speaker struggled to restore order as the protests continued.

Political battle over rural jobs scheme

The passage of the Bill has triggered a sharp political confrontation. While the government argues that the new law modernises rural employment and aligns with national development goals, the Opposition says removing Gandhi’s name undermines the spirit of the original programme.

The issue is expected to remain a major flashpoint in Parliament and outside.