The Lok Sabha on Wednesday, 18 December 2025, approved a landmark piece of legislation aimed at overhauling India's rural employment framework. The VB-G RAM G Bill was passed amid vocal protests from opposition members, setting the stage for a significant shift in welfare policy.
A New Era for Rural Employment
The core provision of the bill seeks to replace the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The new initiative proposes a guaranteed wage employment scheme for eligible rural households. However, it modifies the existing guarantee from 100 days of work per year to 125 days of work every year.
The legislative action took place on 18 December 2025, as confirmed by reports. The passage occurred despite strong objections and demonstrations by opposition parties within the house, highlighting the contentious nature of the reform.
Political Context and Key Figures
The bill's passage is a major legislative move for the government. While the original news snippet did not specify who introduced the bill, it mentioned Shivraj Singh Chouhan, indicating his likely involvement or commentary on the proceedings. The focus remains on the parliamentary process in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament.
The transition from MGNREGA, a scheme launched in 2005, to a new program with an increased annual day guarantee but under a different legislative framework, marks a pivotal moment in India's social security architecture for rural workers.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The bill's approval in the Lok Sabha is just the first step in the legislative process. It will now need to be passed by the Rajya Sabha before receiving the President's assent to become law. The government argues that the new bill will streamline processes and enhance effectiveness.
Critics and opposition members, however, have raised concerns about the replacement of the legally backed entitlement under MGNREGA. The protests during the session underscore the deep political divisions surrounding the approach to rural development and employment guarantees. The coming days will reveal the full scope and operational details of the proposed 125-day rural jobs initiative as the bill progresses.
