A parliamentary panel's decision to omit a reference to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill in a recent meeting has stirred debate, even as the panel's chairperson insists that the bill will be discussed. The VB-G RAM G Bill, which aims to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), has faced strong opposition, particularly regarding the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the rural employment law.

The omission of the bill from the parliamentary panel's agenda drew criticism from opposition members who have been vocal about their concerns regarding the bill's potential impact on rural livelihoods. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien has accused the government of rushing the bill through Parliament and has described it as "anti-poor and anti-federal". Opposition parties have been calling for the bill to be sent to a parliamentary panel for greater scrutiny, emphasizing the need for wider consultation due to its potential impact.

Despite the opposition's concerns, some members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reportedly objected to referencing the bill, arguing that its provisions are yet to be implemented following presidential assent and gazette notification.

The VB-G RAM G Bill proposes providing 125 days of wage employment annually to rural households. However, critics argue that the bill undermines democratic processes and mocks the legislative process by not undergoing thorough scrutiny. Opposition members, including Priyanka Gandhi of the Congress party, have strongly objected to removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from the rural employment scheme.

The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha amid objections from opposition members who demanded that it be sent to a parliamentary panel for closer examination. Concerns have been raised that no time has been allotted in the Rajya Sabha to address the bill.

Amidst the controversy, the Speaker of the House reportedly refused to send the bill to a panel, citing a late-night debate on the issue. According to reports, 99 members expressed their views on the bill, with the discussion lasting until 1:30 AM. The Speaker emphasized that every member was given an opportunity to express their views and that there was no time limit imposed on the discussion.

The parliamentary panel's chairperson has reassured that the VB-G RAM G Bill will be discussed, despite its initial omission from the agenda. The developments surrounding the VB-G RAM G Bill are expected to influence stakeholder decisions and reshape the narrative around rural employment in the near future.