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G RAM G bill replacing MGNREGA passes Parliament amid opposition walkout and protests

The G RAM G Bill replacing MGNREGA has been passed by Parliament after overnight debate in the Rajya Sabha, triggering protests and walkouts by opposition parties.

Published

6 months ago

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Parliament

Parliament has cleared the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, commonly referred to as the G RAM G Bill, paving the way for the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The legislation was passed within two days amid sharp political confrontation, walkouts and overnight protests by opposition parties.

The bill was approved by the Lok Sabha despite repeated disruptions and protests. In the Rajya Sabha, the debate stretched beyond midnight, with voting held around 12.15 am. The bill was eventually passed by a voice vote after opposition members staged a walkout, leaving the ruling alliance members present in the House.

Opposition objects to name change and provisions

The Congress and other opposition parties mounted a strong challenge to the bill, objecting both to the change in the scheme’s name and its revised framework. A key point of contention was the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the legislation, which opposition leaders said reflected an ideological shift rather than a policy necessity.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack during the Rajya Sabha debate, urging the government to withdraw the bill and warning that it would harm the rural poor. He accused the government of speaking in the name of welfare while undermining the interests of vulnerable communities, making an emotional appeal to reconsider the legislation.

Several opposition members initially demanded that the bill be referred to a standing committee for detailed scrutiny. When that demand was not accepted, they called for the bill’s withdrawal and later staged a walkout. Members of the Trinamool Congress and other parties subsequently sat on a dharna within Parliament premises.

Heated exchanges in the Upper House

The debate witnessed intense exchanges between the treasury benches and the opposition. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien linked the passage of the bill with developments in West Bengal, alleging that the Centre’s actions had consequences for the implementation of rural employment schemes in the state. He also referred to the state government’s decision to rename its employment initiative following the Lok Sabha vote.

As Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan rose to reply, opposition members raised slogans demanding the withdrawal of what they termed a “black bill”. When the protests continued, opposition MPs walked out, allowing the bill to be passed without their presence.

Responding sharply, Chouhan criticised the walkout and accused the opposition of refusing to engage in debate. He defended the government’s move, arguing that the earlier scheme had suffered from corruption and inefficiencies, and said the new law was drafted after consultations with stakeholders.

Government defends overhaul of rural employment scheme

The government has maintained that updating the two-decade-old MGNREGA framework was necessary to address structural shortcomings and align it with current rural needs. According to the provisions outlined, the new law increases the guaranteed days of work from 100 to 125 while retaining key elements of the earlier scheme.

However, critics have pointed out that employment under the new framework will be based on pre-approved plans rather than demand-driven applications at the gram panchayat level. The work categories have also been streamlined into four segments—water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related assets, and climate resilience—raising concerns that local flexibility may be reduced.

Opposition leaders have argued that these changes dilute the original spirit of MGNREGA, which was designed as a rights-based, demand-driven employment guarantee programme.

Protests continue after passage

Following the bill’s passage, opposition parties reiterated their charge that the legislation weakens the guarantee, livelihood assurance and social security that formed the core of the original programme introduced in 2005. Despite these objections, the government’s numerical strength ensured the bill’s smooth passage through both Houses.

With parliamentary approval now secured, the G RAM G Bill is set to replace MGNREGA, marking a significant shift in India’s rural employment policy framework amid continuing political debate.

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Lucknow coaching centre fire: Students jump from first floor as massive blaze erupts in Aliganj

A massive fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area forced students to jump from the first floor as rescue teams launched operations.

Published

3 hours ago

on

June 22, 2026

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A major fire broke out at a building housing a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday, triggering panic among students and local residents.There were fears that some students were trapped inside the premises, while some were seen jumping from the first floor in an attempt to escape the flames.

Fire department teams and rescue personnel rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the blaze. Multiple fire tenders were deployed to bring the fire under control, while rescue operations continued amid fears that more people could be trapped inside the building.

Rescue operation underway amid panic

Visuals from the scene showed thick smoke billowing out of the building as students and staff tried to flee. Eyewitnesses said several students jumped from the first floor to save themselves as the fire spread rapidly through the structure.

Firefighters later managed to bring the blaze under control after extensive efforts. Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the blaze, and an investigation is expected to be launched.

Senior administrative and police officials reached the site to supervise rescue efforts. More details are awaited as emergency teams continue search and evacuation operations.

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Mallikarjun Kharge warns action against workers over DK Shivakumar slogans

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge warned party workers of disciplinary action after pro-DK Shivakumar slogans disrupted a Congress programme in Bengaluru.

Published

11 hours ago

on

June 22, 2026

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mallikarjun-kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday strongly reprimanded party workers after a section of the audience raised slogans in support of DK Shivakumar during a party programme in Bengaluru. Kharge also warned that disciplinary action could be taken against those responsible for disrupting the event.

The incident took place during the ‘Sankalpa Samavesha’ programme, where party leaders had gathered for an organisational event. According to reports, some workers repeatedly chanted “DK-DK” slogans, prompting Kharge to intervene and ask them to maintain discipline.

Visibly upset by the sloganeering, Kharge reminded workers that the gathering was meant for the party and not for promoting individual leaders.

“This is not an individual’s programme, it is a party programme,” Kharge said while stressing that Congress functions as an organisation rather than around personalities.

The veteran leader also expressed displeasure over the disruption, questioning why a few people should dominate proceedings when many others had attended the programme. Referring to his long political career, Kharge said the party had contributed significantly to the rise of many leaders and emphasised the need to uphold organisational discipline.

Warning the workers against similar behaviour in the future, Kharge said footage from the event would be examined and action would be taken if necessary.

“Discipline is always necessary for the party. Whoever is shouting here, there will be footage. I will take disciplinary action after reviewing the footage,” he said.

The episode once again highlighted the importance the Congress leadership places on party discipline during organisational events in Karnataka.

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Delhi likely to see more rain and thunderstorms as IMD forecasts pleasant weather

Delhi-NCR is likely to witness light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms as IMD forecasts pleasant weather and continued relief from heat.

Published

12 hours ago

on

June 22, 2026

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weekend curfew

Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) may continue to get relief from intense summer heat as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in the coming days.

The weather department said changing weather conditions are expected to persist across Delhi-NCR, with intermittent rain and thunderstorm activity likely to keep temperatures under control. The maximum temperature in the national capital settled slightly above the seasonal average, while cloudy skies and moisture-laden winds are expected to bring further relief.

Rain forecast for Delhi-NCR

According to IMD, Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad are likely to witness light rainfall and thunderstorms. The weather agency said the spell of rain could be accompanied by gusty winds, leading to a drop in temperatures across the region.

Officials said the prevailing weather pattern is being influenced by favourable monsoon conditions and local weather systems, which are helping maintain relatively pleasant conditions in the region. The maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to remain below or around the 40 degrees Celsius mark over the next few days.

Monsoon advances over northern India

The southwest monsoon has advanced further into several parts of northern India, including areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Weather officials have indicated that conditions remain favourable for the monsoon’s further advance across more regions in northwestern India.

Meanwhile, different parts of Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience varied weather conditions, with eastern districts likely to receive rainfall while some areas in eastern UP may continue to experience heatwave conditions. Rajasthan is also expected to witness rain and thunderstorm activity in several districts.

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