- By Nidhi Giri
- Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:06 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A huge uproar erupted in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday when the central government proposed a new law to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Congress MP Shashi Tharoor strongly opposed the bill, calling it a "deeply regrettable and retrograde step". He said removing Mahatma Gandhi's name was an injustice to the Father Of The Nation.
Tharoor opposed the bill's introduction in the House, saying the decision to remove Gandhiji's name was wrong. It was not just a name change but an attack on the spirit and philosophical foundation of the rural employment scheme. He cited Gandhiji's dream of "Ram Rajya" and said it was never merely a political program but a socio-economic plan based on empowering villages and gram swaraj.
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Tharoor's Scathing Attack
The Thiruvananthapuram MP further stated that including Gandhiji's name in MNREGA demonstrated a deep connection with his philosophy. Removing his name now robs the scheme of its moral compass and historical legitimacy. He also questioned the bill's name. The name uses two languages to create the word "G Ram G," which appears to violate Article 348 of the Constitution.
Tharoor said that hearing this reminded him of a song from his childhood. He then hummed in the House, "Don't defame Ram's name". His gesture brought a moment of silence to the House, followed by applause from Opposition MPs.
What Is The New Bill?
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan introduced the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. It will completely transform MGNREGA. According to the bill, every rural household will get 125 days of wage work per year, up from the previous 100 days.
States will be required to develop plans consistent with the bill within six months of the new law's enactment. The Rural Development Ministry stated that the bill will create a modern framework aligned with the vision of a "Developed India 2047". The plan will focus on water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood development, and climate resilience.