NATIONAL: Lok Sabha Clears MGNREGA Overhaul Amid Uproar
The Lok Sabha passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, on December 18.
This legislation repeals the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and introduces a new framework.
It guarantees up to 125 days of wage employment annually for rural households seeking unskilled manual work.
Key Provisions
The new law aligns rural development with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
It emphasizes durable infrastructure, water security, and livelihood assets.
Funding shifts include more state responsibility and centralized allocation norms.
- Increases workdays from 100 to 125.
- Integrates assets into a national rural infrastructure platform.
- Maintains direct benefit transfers for wages.
Heated Parliamentary Debate
Opposition parties strongly contested the bill during discussions.
They criticized removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name and the potential weakening of demand-driven guarantees.
Protests escalated as members entered the well of the House and tore bill copies.
The session saw brief adjournments before final passage by voice vote.
Government Defense
Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan led the reply.
He argued the current government better embodies Gandhian principles through welfare schemes.
Chouhan noted higher spending under NDA compared to UPA and accused Congress of electoral naming tactics in 2009.
He highlighted inefficiencies in past implementation and the need for modern reforms.
Historical Context
MGNREGA originated as NREGA in 2005 under the UPA government.
It gained Mahatma Gandhi’s prefix in 2009.
The program has long supported rural livelihoods but faced calls for updates amid changing needs.
The new bill now heads to Rajya Sabha for further consideration.