New Delhi: The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, faced strong opposition in Parliament as the Lok Sabha began debate, even as the government signalled its intent to pass the legislation in the current session.
The Bill seeks to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and replace it with a new framework for rural employment. Opposition parties and activists criticised the proposal, saying it dismantled the demand-driven and universal nature of MGNREGA. They also flagged greater centralisation and higher financial burden on States.
Despite objections, the government rejected demands to withdraw or defer the Bill. It said it would push the legislation through before the session ends on Friday. Protests against the Bill were also reported outside Parliament.
Several speakers argued that the new law weakened State autonomy. They said the Centre would decide funding levels and implementation areas, while States would bear a larger share of costs.
Viksit Bharat Rozgar Bill draws sharp criticism from parties
The JD(U) and the LJP (RV) extended full support to the Bill. However, the Telugu Desam Party raised concerns over the funding structure. TDP floor leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu said Andhra Pradesh was a revenue-deficient State. He urged the Centre to continue financial support to help States implement the scheme.
DMK MP K. Kanimozhi said the Centre was shifting more financial responsibility to States while reducing their share in Central taxes. She noted that the cost-sharing ratio had changed to 60:40 from the earlier 90:10 under MGNREGA. She also objected to the Hindi name of the Bill, questioning the lack of legislation named in other Indian languages.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra said the word “guarantee” appeared repeatedly in the Bill but offered no real assurance. She said the Centre retained full control over budgets and notified areas. TMC members also objected to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme.
Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh described the Bill as anti-women. He said women formed a large share of the rural employment workforce in States like Kerala and depended on the scheme for livelihood.
The debate continued late into Wednesday night. Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to reply on Thursday. Outside Parliament, activists and economists criticised the Bill for centralising power and weakening worker entitlements. Activist Yogendra Yadav announced nationwide protests from December 19.
