The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, aims to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This move faced criticism from both Parliament members and activists as the Lok Sabha began discussing the Bill.
Why government pass bill to replace MGNREGA?
Despite the Opposition’s demands, the government expressed its plan to pass the Bill during the current Parliament session, which ends on Friday, December 19, 2025. Critics argue that the new law disrupts the demand-focused structure of MGNREGA. They believe it removes the program’s universality, centralizes decision-making, and increases financial pressures on state governments.
TDP’s Position
The JD(U) and the LJP (RV) supported the legislation, while the TDP raised concerns about the added burden on state finances. TDP leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu highlighted that Andhra Pradesh is a revenue-deficient state. He said, “When we have to provide 40% from the state to fund this scheme, we request that the same level of financial support we have received for the past one and a half years continue. This will help implement the scheme effectively.”
DMK’s K. Kanimozhi noted that the share of Central taxes for the state government has been decreasing, while financial burdens are growing. The new law divides expenses for the rural employment scheme between the Centre and the states at a 60:40 ratio. In contrast, MGNREGA had a 90:10 split. Only a few states still maintain the 90:10 ratio. She also criticized the Hindi name of the Bill, stating, “This is not a ‘Viksit Bharat’ bill but a ‘vexed’ bill.” She questioned why the Centre has named legislation only in Hindi and Sanskrit, and mostly speaks in Tamil.
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