Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday strongly defended the VB-G RAM G Bill, stating that the legislation is in the national interest and will affect only those who indulged in corruption under earlier rural employment schemes.
Speaking to reporters, Scindia said the new law would significantly benefit farmers and the youth by expanding employment opportunities in rural India. He asserted that the bill aims to strengthen accountability while ensuring greater financial support for livelihoods.
Taking a swipe at the previous Congress-led government, the minister alleged widespread misuse of funds under the earlier Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. He claimed that wages meant for beneficiaries were siphoned off through fake bills. &ldquo;Only those who indulged in corruption and stole wages are uncomfortable with this bill,&rdquo; Scindia said.
Responding to criticism from opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, Scindia questioned Gandhi&rsquo;s absence during parliamentary debates. &ldquo;If he is the leader of the opposition, he should at least be in the House,&rdquo; he said, referring to Gandhi&rsquo;s foreign visits.
Highlighting the scale of funding, Scindia contrasted the allocations under the two schemes. &ldquo;When the Congress introduced the MNREGA scheme, not even Rs 10,000 crore was allocated under it, whereas the VB-G RAM G Bill provides for more than Rs 1 lakh crore. This will increase employment opportunities for rural people,&rdquo; he said.
After the bill&rsquo;s passage, Scindia claimed that resistance was coming only from those unsettled by increased transparency. &ldquo;After the new bill was passed by Parliament, only such people are feeling uncomfortable,&rdquo; he added.
He further accused the opposition of obstructing national progress. &ldquo;The country is continuously progressing, but these people want to chain the country. The people of the country have repeatedly responded to their negative thinking,&rdquo; the minister said.
The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill was cleared by Parliament amid intense opposition protests. Critics have objected to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi&rsquo;s name from the existing rural employment scheme and warned that the new framework could shift financial responsibility onto states.

VB-G RAM G Bill to Curb Graft, Create Jobs: Scindia

Minister says new law will boost rural employment, hit only those who misused public funds

VB-G RAM G Bill to Curb Graft&Create Jobs: Scindia

Minister says new law will boost rural employment, hit only those who misused public funds

December 20, 2025 | 20:03 IST