Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme becomes history, President signs 'VB-G RAM G' bill

NEW DELHI: President Draupadi Murmu has signed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G bill, which was introduced by the central government to replace the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The bill has received the President's assent after it was passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

The VB-G RAM G Bill was introduced in Parliament by Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The number of days of work for rural families has been increased from 100 to 125 days in the new bill. The Centre claims that this will ensure income security.

Wages within a week

 Wages should be paid within a week or a maximum of fifteen days after completion of work. If not, compensation will be provided

 Provision allowing state governments to pause the scheme for up to 60 days per year during peak agricultural activities such as sowing and harvesting

 The main areas of work are water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, prevention of natural disasters, etc.

 All work at the Gram Panchayat level with the approval of the Gram Sabhas

 Integrates rural development with national plans like PM Gati Shakti through a "Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack. This will prevent duplication of work.

Meanwhile, the opposition is strongly protesting against the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the Employment Guarantee Scheme. There is also criticism that the new bill will impose additional obligations on the states. The LDF will organise protest programs at central government institutions in all districts of Kerala tomorrow against the Centre's move to sabotage the rural employment guarantee scheme. The provisions of the bill legally exempt the centre from the responsibility of allocating funds as per the requirement. Changing the name of the scheme is tantamount to insulting Mahatma Gandhi. The government should immediately withdraw the bill. Left parties will organise a nationwide protest on December 22. The LDF stated in a statement that the employment guarantee scheme should be strengthened by allocating sufficient funds, ensuring 200 days of employment and making it ubiquitous.