New Delhi, December 21: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the recent passage of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM-G) Bill, claiming it fundamentally alters the character of MGNREGA and undermines rural employment. He announced that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on December 27 to plan a nationwide movement against the legislation.

Ramesh argued that the new law takes away employment opportunities from rural, marginalized communities, shifting decision-making power from local Gram Panchayats to the central government. He accused the BJP of ideological bias and of rushing the bill without consulting state governments, warning that it would exacerbate financial strain on states.

The Congress leader emphasized that the changes to MGNREGA go beyond mere rebranding and said the government’s rhetoric on decentralization contradicts its actions. He also supported Sonia Gandhi’s statement, calling the law an overreach.

The VB-GRAM-G Bill guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, up from the previous 100 days, with a revised funding pattern between the Centre and states. Ramesh confirmed that Congress plans to mobilize a mass movement in response, calling the issue one of legal and democratic rights.