Context:
Both Houses of Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB-G RAM Bill), which seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The passage witnessed intense protests by Opposition members, citing concerns over dilution of employment guarantees and procedural haste.
Key Highlights:
Government Initiative / Policy Details
- The VB-G RAM Bill aims to restructure rural employment and livelihood support.
- It proposes replacing the 20-year-old MGNREGA framework.
- The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha amid disruptions and later cleared by the Rajya Sabha by voice vote.
Political Developments & Parliamentary Proceedings
- Opposition members stormed the Well of the House, tore copies of the Bill, and raised slogans.
- In the Rajya Sabha, the Bill was passed late at night despite vociferous protests.
- Opposition MPs later staged a sit-in protest outside Parliament (Samvidhan Sadan).
Stakeholders Involved
- Ministry of Rural Development
- Opposition political parties
- Rural workers and beneficiaries of MGNREGA
- Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)
Significance / Concerns
- Concerns over weakening of legal employment guarantees.
- Allegations of reduced transparency and accountability.
- Procedural criticism regarding limited debate time.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- MGNREGA: Guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
- It is a demand-driven, rights-based scheme enacted under Article 21 (Right to Livelihood – judicial interpretation).
- Replacement of MGNREGA raises issues of statutory guarantees vs mission-mode schemes.
- Parliamentary tools: Voice vote, disruptions, Well of the House.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Governance & Polity: Dilution of rights-based welfare architecture.
- Federalism: Impact on States implementing rural employment schemes.
- Democratic functioning: Importance of debate, scrutiny, and standing committees.
- Way Forward:
- Ensure statutory safeguards for employment security.
- Greater parliamentary consultation and transparency.
- Periodic social audits and independent evaluation mechanisms.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS II: Parliament, governance, welfare schemes
- GS III: Rural development, employment
- GS IV: Democratic values, accountability