New Delhi: Opposition parties staged an overnight protest inside the Parliament complex after the passage of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB G RAM G Bill, which is set to replace the long standing rural employment programme. Leaders from multiple parties accused the government of forcing the legislation through without adequate discussion and warned of nationwide protests.
The dharna, which lasted nearly 12 hours through the night, began soon after the Rajya Sabha cleared the Bill past midnight. Opposition members said the law was pushed through despite repeated demands that it be referred to a select or standing committee for detailed examination.
Leaders alleged that the Bill fundamentally alters the structure of rural employment support and weakens protections for the rural poor. They described the legislation as anti poor, anti farmer and anti rural, arguing that it dismantles a rights based framework built over two decades. Several MPs said they were given only a few hours to study the Bill before it was taken up for debate, leaving no room for meaningful discussion or stakeholder consultation.
Opposition speakers criticised what they called the centralisation of decision making under the new law and warned that it would place an additional financial and administrative burden on states. They claimed the changes would undermine employment security for crores of rural workers and eventually lead to the collapse of the programme.
The protest also reflected strong objections to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme. Several leaders said the renaming symbolised a deeper attempt to erase the legacy and spirit of a programme associated with social justice and dignity of labour. They drew parallels with other symbolic changes, alleging a broader pattern of sidelining icons linked to India’s freedom movement and constitutional values.
Calling the development a dark moment for parliamentary democracy, opposition leaders accused the government of bypassing consensus and suppressing dissent. They said laws with far reaching social impact should be shaped through dialogue, committee scrutiny and public consultation, rather than rushed through late night votes.
The VB G RAM G Bill has now been passed by both Houses of Parliament and awaits presidential assent. Opposition parties have indicated they will continue their resistance outside Parliament, taking the issue to the streets and mobilising public opinion against the new rural employment framework.
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