Government tables Bill to replace MGNREGA amid protests

The Indian government introduced the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, aiming to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The bill faced strong opposition from the Opposition parties who argued that it weakens MGNREGA's employment rights, centralizes decision-making, and undermines the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi. Opposition leaders called the move a "retrograde step" and accused the government of dismantling the demand-driven architecture of MGNREGA. They also raised concerns about the reduction in funding for States and the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the bill.