Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday firmly declared that the government will not roll back the newly introduced VB-GRAM-G law, asserting that Parliament cannot "reverse gear" on legislation already presented to the nation. This statement comes as opposition parties intensify their calls for broader debates during the upcoming Budget Session, highlighting tensions over parliamentary priorities.
Government's Stance on Legislative Agenda
Rijiju made these remarks while addressing reporters after an all-party meeting held ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament. The meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by senior leaders, including Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha JP Nadda, ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and L Murugan, and floor leaders from various political parties.
"Once law is before the nation, we have to follow it. We can’t reverse gear and go back to the past. It cannot happen," Rijiju emphasized, making it clear that the VB-GRAM-G law, which aims to replace MGNREGA and expand guaranteed rural employment, will proceed as planned.
Focus on Budgetary Business
Outlining the government's priorities for the session, Rijiju stated that the focus would remain squarely on budgetary business. "We have noted the suggestions given by floor leaders of various parties. As per the rules, the discussions should revolve around the Budget only," he said.
The Budget Session, which is the first Parliament session of the year, will commence with the President's address to a joint sitting. This will be followed by the tabling of the Economic Survey on January 29 and the presentation of the Union Budget on February 1. "Since this is a Budget Session, the main focus of this session will be on the budget," Rijiju reiterated, while urging all parties to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament.
Opposition's Call for Comprehensive Debates
In response to opposition demands for discussions on multiple issues, including new UGC guidelines and other pressing matters, Rijiju acknowledged the government's openness to debate but stressed constitutional responsibilities. "Why should we talk about just one issue? The government is always ready to discuss various issues. However, this is Budget Session, we have to pass the Budget, run the country, serve the people," he explained.
The union minister also dismissed allegations that the legislative agenda was not shared in advance, clarifying that "Government business is shared after the President’s address in the first session of the year." Emphasizing parliamentary conduct, Rijiju added, "We are elected to raise people’s issues and have freedom of speech, but it is also our duty to listen," noting that various issues could be raised during the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address and during Budget discussions.
Specific Opposition Concerns
Opposition parties, however, have reiterated their demands for wider debates during the Budget Session, arguing that several issues of public importance must be discussed on the floor of Parliament.
Speaking after the all-party meeting, Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose stated that her party had strongly pushed for a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal. She alleged that the manner in which the exercise is being conducted raises serious concerns. "On behalf of the Trinamool Congress and the All India Trinamool Congress, we reiterated in the all-party meeting that the ongoing SIR process in West Bengal must be discussed on the floor of Parliament during the Budget Session," Ghose said.
She further claimed that the exercise lacks transparency and neutrality, flagging large-scale discrepancies. "A so-called 'logical discrepancy list' has been prepared, containing the names of around 1.5 crore people, and this too must be debated. More than 130 people have reportedly lost their lives during the SIR exercise, and this issue must also be discussed in Parliament," she emphasized.
Broader Issues Raised by Opposition
Raising broader concerns, Ghose argued that opposition-ruled states are being unfairly treated. "Funds meant for states, especially opposition-ruled states, cannot be withheld in this manner and must be released. The misuse of central agencies in poll-bound states, including the filing of ED cases, must also be taken up for discussion," she asserted.
Emphasizing the role of the opposition, Ghose added, "Parliament is not a one-way street. The opposition must be given an opportunity to speak, and its voice must be heard. Bills cannot be passed in two or three minutes; they should be sent to committees and sufficient time should be given for proper study."
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP ET Mohammed Basheer also stressed that key issues need parliamentary discussion. "Parliament has become a mockery. I have raised several issues, including SIR, that must be discussed during the Budget Session," he said.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra indicated that his party would raise multiple concerns during the session. "The first relates to farmers and their welfare, and the second relates to the situation in Odisha," he said, adding that farmers are under distress, law and order is deteriorating in the state, youth unemployment remains a major concern, and employment opportunities under the new GRAM-G bill are limited.
Background on VB-GRAM-G Law
These remarks come amid opposition criticism of the Centre's proposal to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replace it with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–GRAM G) Bill, 2025. The bill, listed in the supplementary business for the session, seeks to expand guaranteed rural employment from 100 to 125 days and align rural development with the government's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
The ongoing debate highlights the contrasting priorities between the government's focus on budgetary matters and the opposition's push for broader parliamentary discussions on regional and national issues.
