The Winter Session of Parliament witnessed fiery exchanges and chaotic scenes on its twelfth day, with the Lok Sabha erupting in protest over the government's proposed changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the introduction of the Viksit Bharat Rozgar Bill 2025.
Opposition Storm Over MGNREGA and Employment Bill
Led by Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Shashi Tharoor, the Opposition launched a fierce attack on the proposed reforms. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra strongly criticized the move, accusing the government of creating an "illusion of expansion" that ultimately dilutes the core 100-day work guarantee that is the cornerstone of the rural jobs scheme. The Opposition argued that the changes would weaken the social safety net for millions of rural workers.
Simultaneously, the Viksit Bharat Rozgar Bill 2025 also faced intense scrutiny and criticism from the protesting members. The proceedings were repeatedly drowned out by slogans and protests, highlighting the deep political divide on these key legislative matters.
Government's Defence and Other Key Bills
On the defensive, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan countered the criticism by invoking the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi. He framed the government's actions as steps towards achieving "Ram Rajya" (an ideal state of governance), suggesting the reforms were for the greater public good.
Amid the turmoil, other significant legislation was pushed forward. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Bill, which aims to allow 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector. The government stated this move is intended to boost insurance coverage and improve ease of doing business in the country.
Repealing Colonial Laws and Political Sparring
Further adding to the day's legislative agenda, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal tabled a Repealing Bill designed to scrap a set of outdated colonial-era laws from the statute books. However, this move too became a point of contention. The Congress party retorted sharply, alleging that the government was merely "clearing its own post-2015 mess," implying that many problematic laws were enacted by the current ruling dispensation itself.
The session was marked by chaos and heated debates, with accusations of a "colonial mindset" being traded alongside arguments about the nation's priorities in the post-pandemic era. The events of December 16 underscore the intense political battles shaping India's policy landscape as the government seeks to implement its reform agenda against determined Opposition resistance.
