Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday strongly opposed the Centre’s proposed legislation to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), warning that the move would weaken the landmark rural employment guarantee that has supported millions of households for nearly two decades.
Raising objections in the Lok Sabha, Priyanka Gandhi criticised the government for attempting to replace the existing law with what she described as a “much weaker” framework, alleging the change was driven by “someone’s obsession and prejudice.”
Opposition to ‘G Ram G’ Bill
Her remarks came after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sought the House’s permission to introduce the Viksit Bharat Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, also referred to as the VB-G RAM G Bill, which aims to replace MGNREGA.
Priyanka Gandhi cited Lok Sabha rules of procedure while formally objecting to the bill’s introduction and urged that it be referred to a Standing Committee for detailed scrutiny.
“MGNREGA has provided livelihood to crores of people and strengthened the rural economy for the past 20 years. This bill should not be rushed through Parliament,” she said.
‘Do Not Dilute Mahatma Gandhi’s Legacy’
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, Priyanka Gandhi said the original legislation reflected national values that transcended political affiliations.
“Mahatma Gandhi was not from my family, yet he feels like a member of every Indian family. No law associated with his ideals should be weakened because of someone’s obsession,” she said.
She demanded that the government withdraw the bill and introduce a revised version only after wider consultation and debate.
Concerns Over Employment Guarantee
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, the Wayanad MP said the proposed law would dilute the guaranteed 100 days of employment provided under MGNREGA.
She also questioned the rationale behind renaming welfare schemes.
“Renaming schemes costs public money. I don’t understand why the government keeps doing this,” she said.
Priyanka Gandhi further pointed out that while the new bill claims to increase the number of workdays, it fails to address critical issues such as low wage rates and delayed payments.
“For years, funds for MGNREGA have been reduced. Wherever you go, workers say their wages have not been paid,” she added.
Shift of Power From Panchayats to Centre
Another key concern raised by the Congress leader was the centralisation of decision-making.
“Earlier, gram panchayats decided what work would be undertaken. This bill transfers that power to the Centre, including decisions on fund allocation,” she said.
Congress Slams Bill as Anti-Worker
The Congress party has alleged that the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025 undermines the rights-based framework of MGNREGA and is tilted against states, local bodies, and workers, while contradicting the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
According to the draft bill, the proposed law promises a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per financial year for rural households whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work.
The cost-sharing structure outlined in the bill proposes:
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90:10 Centre–state ratio for northeastern and Himalayan states
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60:40 for other states and Union Territories with legislatures
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100% Central funding for Union Territories without legislatures
MGNREGA currently operates as a centrally sponsored scheme.
