NEW DELHI, DEC 18 — Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Thursday shortly after the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill, as opposition MPs protested loudly, tore copies of the legislation and accused the government of undermining rural employment guarantees.
The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, was approved following a reply by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who rejected opposition claims that the new law weakens worker protections.
“Every provision has been framed to ensure more days of work and better outcomes for rural families,” Chouhan said. “This Bill replaces an old system with a more comprehensive mission.”
Opposition leaders countered that the government was dismantling MGNREGA, a program in force for nearly 20 years. As the minister spoke, MPs raised slogans against the ruling party and waved torn papers inside the chamber.
Speaker Om Birla urged members to maintain order but eventually adjourned the House after the Bill’s passage.
Earlier in the day, the government indicated that a discussion on air pollution in the Delhi National Capital Region would be taken up later, with Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expected to open the debate.
Friday marks the final sitting of the Winter Session.
Read more: New rural jobs law pitched as ‘upgrade’ over MGNREGA
