New Delhi [India], December 31 : Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday stressed that the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G) bill is towards the interest of the labourers, stating that previously it used to provide employment for 100 days, which has increased to 125 days now.
"They (the opposition) hate the name of Ram... VB-G RAM G is the biggest platform for employment. It used to provide employment for 100 days, and now it is providing employment for 125 days... It has to be acknowledged that VB-G RAM G is in the interest of the labourers..." he said.
Earlier today, in an X post, the Rajya Sabha LoP and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the BJP, citing the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a falling rupee, and inflation, among 14 issues of contention.
Invoking MGNREGA and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, the two issues Congress rallied around in 2025, he alleged that the Centre is talking away citizens' right to work and right to vote.
"On the last day of the year, it's essential to remind everyone how the country was run in 2025, the 11th year of BJP rule-- By scrapping MGNREGA, the 'right to work' was snatched away from millions of the poor Without any preparation, without BLO training, the 'right to vote' was snatched from millions via SIR, and BJP's vote theft was caught red-handed," the Congress leader wrote on X.
This comes as the Parliament passed the VB-G RAM G bill, replacing the MGNREGA brought in by the UPA government. While the legislation raises the employment guarantee to 125 days as compared to 100 days in MGNREGA, the Opposition has criticised it for removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and placing a 60:40 fund-sharing ratio between the Centre and states.
The VB-G RAM G Bill was passed during the winter session of Parliament, with approval by both Houses. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on December 21, 2025, paving the way for its implementation.