NATIONAL: ‘Jai Ram Ji’ Bill Triggers Political Storm
The central government tabled a controversial bill in the Lok Sabha on December 16, 2025, seeking to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
In its place comes the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, abbreviated as VB-G RAM G.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan introduced the legislation, stressing its focus on rural welfare and expanded employment opportunities.
The new framework promises 125 days of guaranteed wage work annually, up from 100 days under the existing scheme.
Chouhan affirmed deep respect for Mahatma Gandhi’s principles while highlighting benefits for the poor.
Fierce Opposition Protests Erupt
Opposition parties reacted strongly for the second day, objecting to dropping Gandhi’s name from the iconic rural jobs program.
Members accused the move of dishonoring the Father of the Nation and raised concerns over the new acronym’s reference to Lord Ram.
They demanded the bill be scrutinized by a parliamentary standing committee.
Despite government assurances of commitment to Gandhian values, the protests continued unabated.
Key Voices from the Opposition
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra responded sharply to remarks from the treasury benches about “family.”
She declared Mahatma Gandhi belongs to every Indian household, not just one family, and warned against undermining the scheme.
Shashi Tharoor described removing Gandhi’s name as deeply immoral.
Rahul Gandhi labeled the renaming an outright insult to the Mahatma.
Opposition members stormed the well, displayed Gandhi portraits, and eventually walked out in protest.
Separate Progress on Insurance Reforms
In a smoother development, the Lok Sabha passed the Insurance Laws Amendment Bill.
It raises the foreign direct investment limit in the sector from 74 percent to 100 percent.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted that greater competition would improve premiums and coverage.
The bill also establishes a fund for policyholder protection and eases certain mergers.
Additionally, the House cleared repealing 71 outdated laws and referred a higher education commission bill to a joint committee.
These events reflect ongoing tensions and priorities in the winter session.