Opposition protests erupt as Parliament sessions conclude after controversial bill passage.
The Winter Session 2025 of Parliament has officially come to an end. On Friday, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die, marking the conclusion of a session defined by major legislative shifts and loud political disagreements.
The final day in the Lok Sabha saw Speaker Om Birla adjourn the House following the traditional playing of Vande Mataram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently returned from an international tour, was present for the closing proceedings. However, the atmosphere remained tense as Opposition leaders continued to vent their frustration over the passing of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) — better known as the VB-G RAM G Bill.
In the Upper House, Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan expressed disappointment over the behavior of certain members. Referring to incidents where papers were torn during ministerial replies, he noted that such actions were "unbecoming" of the House. Despite the friction, the Chairman labeled the session as productive and voiced hope for more constructive debates in the future.
The core of the conflict lies in the transition from the long-standing MGNREGA to the new VB-G RAM G scheme. While the government highlights that the new Bill increases guaranteed wage employment from 100 to 125 days for rural households, critics remain skeptical.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, speaking from Germany, launched a sharp critique on social media. He argued that the Winter Session 2025 of Parliament witnessed the "demolition" of rural workers' rights. Gandhi claimed that by shifting from a demand-driven model to a "rationed scheme" controlled from Delhi, the government has weakened the autonomy of villages and states like Odisha, where rural employment is a vital lifeline.
While the treasury benches celebrate the mission as a "revamp" for a developed India, the Opposition united outside Parliament to protest what they call an "anti-village" design. With the session now closed, the focus shifts to how these changes will impact rural livelihoods across the country.
