The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, commonly referred to as the VB-G RAM G Bill, amid sustained protests and sloganeering by Opposition members in the House.
The Bill aims to strengthen rural employment and livelihood mechanisms by restructuring and expanding existing government interventions focused on jobs, skill development, and income generation in rural India.
What the VB-G RAM G Bill Proposes
According to the government, the legislation seeks to:
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Consolidate rural employment and livelihood schemes under a unified framework
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Improve delivery of wage employment, self-employment, and skill-linked work
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Enhance transparency, monitoring, and outcome-based implementation at the grassroots level
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Align rural employment programmes with the broader vision of a “Viksit Bharat”
The Bill is positioned as a key pillar of the government’s long-term rural development strategy.
Government’s Stand
Presenting the Bill, the government maintained that rural employment needs a modernised, mission-driven approach rather than fragmented schemes. Ministers argued that the proposed framework would:
The government also emphasised that the Bill focuses on sustainable livelihoods, not just temporary employment.
Opposition’s Objections
Opposition parties strongly opposed the passage of the Bill, alleging that:
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It weakens existing statutory guarantees related to rural employment
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It centralises powers and reduces the role of states
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It was pushed through without adequate debate
Several Opposition MPs staged protests inside the House, demanding that the Bill be sent to a parliamentary committee for detailed scrutiny.
Why the Bill Matters
Rural employment and livelihoods remain critical issues, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of central and eastern India, where:
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Dependence on agriculture remains high
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Non-farm employment opportunities are limited
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Seasonal unemployment affects income stability
Any restructuring of rural employment programmes has wide-ranging economic and social implications.
What Happens Next
With Lok Sabha approval, the Bill will move to the Rajya Sabha for consideration. Its final shape and implementation details will depend on:
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Parliamentary approval in the Upper House
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Framing of rules and guidelines
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Coordination with state governments
The passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill marks a significant legislative move in India’s rural employment landscape. While the government views it as a reform-oriented step towards sustainable livelihoods, the Opposition’s concerns indicate that the Bill will remain a subject of political and policy debate in the days ahead.