Rajya Sabha Takes Up Debate on Viksit Bharat G RAM G Bill 2025
New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Monday took up discussion on the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, also known as the Viksit Bharat G RAM G Bill, for consideration and passing. The proposed legislation aims to create a rural development framework aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Under the Bill, every rural household with adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work will be statutorily guaranteed 125 days of wage employment in a financial year, an increase from the existing 100 days. The cost-sharing pattern between the Centre and states has been proposed at 60:40, except for North-Eastern and Himalayan states, where it will be 90:10. State governments will continue to pay unemployment allowance and compensation.
Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan moved the Bill in the House. Congress MP Mukul Wasnik opposed it, claiming it could adversely affect crores of people. BJP MP Indu Bala Goswami supported the Bill, saying it would uplift rural lives and strengthen Viksit Bharat.
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha criticised the Bill for lack of consultation and objected to the funding pattern. TMC’s Ritabrata Banerjee and YSRCP’s S Niranjan Reddy called for wider consultations, with demands to refer the Bill to a Select Committee. The discussion is ongoing.
Our Final Thoughts
The Viksit Bharat G RAM G Bill 2025 marks a significant shift in rural employment policy by increasing guaranteed workdays. While supporters see it as a step toward inclusive growth, concerns over funding burdens and lack of consultation highlight the need for careful scrutiny. The outcome of the debate will be crucial in shaping rural livelihoods and Centre–State cooperation in the years ahead.