New employment bill replacing MGNREGA passed in Lok Sabha, opposition tears and throws copies of bill

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Lok Sabha has passed the Viksit Bharat – G Ram Ji Bill, which introduces changes to several provisions, including renaming the MGNREGA scheme. The bill was tabled by Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and received approval amid intense debate in the House.

The bill triggered heated arguments in Parliament. Responding to the discussion, Shivraj Singh Chouhan firmly rejected the opposition’s allegations and said Mahatma Gandhi is not just a name but a source of faith, inspiration, and belief for the government. He asserted that the government is not insulting Gandhi but is instead following his ideals.

Chouhan said he listened to members until 1:30 am and had every right to respond. He expressed displeasure over the disruption by opposition MPs, stating that speaking without listening to others violates democratic norms and goes against the spirit of the Constitution. Calling such behaviour contrary to Gandhian principles, he described it as a form of violence.

Accusing the opposition of opposing a bill aimed at rural development, Chouhan said the legislation is focused on the upliftment of villages, and opposing it makes little sense. He reiterated that the government does not discriminate between states and regions, saying the nation is one—whether it is Chennai or Guwahati, Kashmir or Kanyakumari. During the debate, opposition MPs tore copies of the bill and threw them towards the minister.

Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Chouhan said Gandhiji believed villages are the soul of India, and a weak village would mean a weak nation. He said the bill has been drafted with this very vision, placing rural development at its core. Responding to allegations of discrimination, he stressed that despite differences in language, attire, and traditions, India remains united. Referring to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said the country is not just a piece of land but a living nation, with Kashmir as its crown.

Chouhan further said Bharat Mata represents childhood memories, youth aspirations, and spiritual fulfilment in old age, adding that balanced and inclusive development of the entire country is the duty of the Modi government. He also mentioned the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, stating that it has produced millions of dedicated workers committed to nation-building. Explaining Hindutva, he said its essence lies in “victory of righteousness over injustice” and the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

On the issue of renaming MGNREGA, Chouhan said the scheme was not originally named after Mahatma Gandhi. He claimed that the Congress added Gandhi’s name in 2009 during election season. He also said the Modi government strengthened the scheme’s implementation and presented comparative data on man-days generated and budgetary spending during the UPA and NDA periods.

Targeting the Congress, Chouhan accused the party of having an obsession with naming schemes and institutions. He cited multiple schemes, roads, institutions, festivals, and even national parks named after the Nehru-Gandhi family, questioning how many schemes were actually run in Gandhi’s name. He also referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s 1948 statement suggesting that Congress should be dissolved after independence, alleging that the party ignored this idea to cling to power.

Highlighting shortcomings in MGNREGA, Chouhan said the government introduced the new bill to address these gaps. He concluded by stating that the government believes in action, not symbolism, and will take every necessary step to empower villages.