Debate In Lok Sabha Over VB-GRAM-G Bill

Introduction of New Employment Bill

The Central Government introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. It aims to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, 2005, by substituting it with a new scheme, namely, the Vikasit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission-Gramin known as VB-GRAM-G.

Opposition Raises Objections

For the second consecutive day, opposition parties strongly opposed the bill. They had strongly objected when the bill was listed for discussion. Members of the opposition felt the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name could lead to a complete withdrawal of the scheme in due course. Some members even objected to the nomenclature of the new scheme, saying it was akin to “Rama.” They argued that names on religious lines should not be used for this purpose. The opposition pressed for the bill to be referred to a parliamentary committee for scrutiny in detail.

Government Response

The government explained that it still respects Mahatma Gandhi and his ideals. The accusations were answered by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He mentioned that the government salutes Gandhi with profound respect and is practicing his ideals. He declared that the bill will help the poor and enhance rural employment. He said the intention of the bill is welfare, not removal of values associated with Gandhi.

Statements by Opposition Leaders

During the debate, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi brought up remarks made by the ruling party members about “family”. She said Mahatma Gandhi belongs to not one family but to every family in this country. She said the change of scheme’s name shows disrespect to the Father of the Nation. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also opposed the bill, calling the removal of the name Gandhi unethical. He appealed that names of religions should not be used inappropriately.

Protest and Walkout

Opposition members came into the well and protested. They also showed pictures of Mahatma Gandhi and then walked out of the Lok Sabha. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said on social media that "Renaming this scheme is an insult to Gandhi ji." The government replied that through this bill, the scheme aims to bolster rural development and increase employment opportunities.

Insurance Amendment Bill passed

• The Lok Sabha gave its approval to the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Insurance Laws Amendment) Bill amidst protests staged by the opposition over various issues. The FDI in the insurance sector with the bill increases to 100 percent from 74 percent. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said increasing FDI would lead to a rise in competition and, additionally, provide an improvement in insurance pricing. The bill allows mergers between insurance and non-insurance companies. It gives the provision for the creation of a fund meant for policyholders' protection.
• Other Legislative Decisions The Lok Sabha decided to refer the bill on the establishment of the Higher Education Commission to a joint parliamentary committee. It also approved the repeal of 71 outdated laws.