In response to the introduction of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, also known as the VB-G RAM-G Bill, activists and opposition parties are demanding a rollback, warning of widespread protests. The bill, which seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), has sparked outrage due to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name and concerns about the potential weakening of the rural employment scheme.

Opposition parties, including members of the INDIA bloc, staged a protest in the Parliament complex near the Mahatma Gandhi statue. They allege the VB-G RAM-G Bill aims to dismantle MGNREGA and that renaming the scheme is an insult to Mahatma Gandhi, reflecting the ruling BJP's "hatred" towards him. Concerns have also been raised that the bill was introduced and may be passed in haste, without proper discussion or consideration of advice from the House.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a senior Congress leader, has strongly criticized the bill, arguing that it weakens the legal right to employment and should be withdrawn. She questioned the government's motivation to rename schemes, highlighting the associated costs and asserting that laws should not be based on "whim, ambition, and prejudice". Shashi Tharoor, another member of Congress, described the bill as a "deeply regrettable and retrograde step".

Several activists and locals gathered in Palamau to protest the 'Viksit Bharat - G Ram G' Bill. Jawahar Mehta, a social activist associated with NREGA Watch, stated that the new bill would bring an end to the very soul of the 2005 Act. Sudhir Kumar Singh, another social activist, said that through this Bill, the Centre wants to take power from Gram Sabhas (village councils), laborers, and states, concentrating it in its own hands, which he argues is against the spirit of the constitution and democracy.

A key point of contention is the funding structure outlined in the new bill. Under MGNREGA, the central government bore the entire wage cost, but the VB-G RAM-G Bill proposes a 60:40 split between the central and state governments. Critics argue this shift will burden state governments, especially those awaiting pending GST dues. There are also concerns that the bill expands the Centre's control while reducing its responsibilities.

Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the bill, stating that the Modi government has strengthened MGNREGA and that the new bill guarantees 125 work days instead of the 100 days assured by MGNREGA. He added that the bill aims to establish Ram Rajya in keeping with the spirit of Gandhi.

The Lok Sabha secretariat held a briefing for all MPs to provide clarity on the bill. However, opposition parties remain firm in their stance, demanding that the bill be withdrawn or, at the very least, referred to a parliamentary committee for detailed scrutiny. As protests continue, the future of the VB-G RAM-G Bill remains uncertain.