The Central government has introduced a new legislation in Parliament that seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), setting the stage for a political confrontation during the ongoing Winter Session.

The proposed law, titled The Viksit Bharat Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Grameen), has been abbreviated as VB G RAM G. To ensure its passage, a whip has been issued, asking ruling party MPs to remain present in the House.

According to the government, the Bill introduces a fresh framework aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aimed at strengthening employment and livelihood support in rural areas.

What changes under the new Bill

MGNREGA, launched in 2005 under the previous UPA government, guarantees 100 days of employment to rural households and has remained a key rural welfare programme for nearly two decades.

Under the new VB G RAM G Bill, the government has proposed increasing the guaranteed employment period from 100 days to 125 days. The legislation also seeks to streamline wage payments, mandating that workers receive payments within seven to 15 days after completing assigned work.

The Bill further includes a provision for unemployment allowance if payments are not released within the stipulated timeframe, adding an accountability mechanism to the payment process.

Political implications

The introduction of the Bill during the Winter Session is expected to trigger intense debate, given MGNREGA’s long-standing role in rural employment and poverty alleviation. The government maintains that the new legislation is designed to modernise and expand the scope of employment guarantees under a restructured mission framework.

Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance in Kolkata turned chaotic on Saturday after thousands of fans alleged mismanagement at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, leaving many unable to even see the Argentine football icon despite holding high-priced tickets

Fans express anger over limited access

The Kolkata leg of the G.O.A.T. Tour was billed as a special moment for Indian football fans, with ticket prices ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 25,000. However, discontent grew rapidly inside the stadium as several attendees claimed their view of Messi was obstructed by security personnel and invited guests positioned close to him.

As frustration mounted, some fans resorted to throwing chairs and bottles from the stands, forcing organisers to intervene and cut the programme short.

Event cut short amid disorder

Messi reached the venue around 11:15 am and remained there for roughly 20 minutes. He was expected to take a full lap of the stadium, but that plan was abandoned as the situation deteriorated soon after he emerged from the tunnel.

The disorder also meant that prominent personalities, including actor Shah Rukh Khan, former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, could not participate in the programme as scheduled.

Organisers whisk Messi away

With fans breaching security and some vandalising canopies set up at the Salt Lake Stadium, the organisers, along with security personnel, escorted Messi out of the venue to prevent further escalation.

Several attendees described the event as poorly organised, with some fans calling it an “absolute disgrace” and blaming mismanagement for spoiling what was meant to be a celebratory occasion.

Mamata Banerjee apologises, orders enquiry

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later issued a public apology to Messi and the fans, expressing shock over the mismanagement. She announced the formation of an enquiry committee headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with senior state officials as members.

The committee has been tasked with conducting a detailed probe, fixing responsibility and suggesting steps to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.

Residents across Delhi and adjoining areas woke up to dense smog on Saturday morning, with air quality levels edging close to the ‘severe’ category in several locations

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 390 at 8 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. However, multiple monitoring stations in the national capital recorded AQI readings in the ‘severe’ range.

Areas reporting severe air quality included Anand Vihar (435), Ghazipur (435), Jahangirpuri (442), Rohini (436), Chandni Chowk (419), Burari Crossing (415), and RK Puram (404). The high pollution levels were accompanied by a mix of smog and shallow fog, which reduced visibility in several parts of the city during the early hours.

Smog reduces visibility, health risks rise

As per AQI classification, readings between 401 and 500 fall under the ‘severe’ category, indicating serious health risks. Officials note that prolonged exposure at such levels can trigger respiratory problems even among healthy individuals, while those with existing conditions face higher risks.

Dangerous pollution levels have become a recurring concern in Delhi during the winter months. On Friday as well, a thick haze covered the city, with the overall AQI recorded at 386 and visibility remaining poor in several localities.

Delhi airport activates low visibility procedures

Amid the deteriorating air quality, Delhi airport issued an advisory stating that low visibility procedures were in place. In a post on X, the airport confirmed that flight operations were normal at present but advised passengers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates.

Despite some marginal improvement over recent weeks, large parts of the capital continue to remain under a blanket of toxic smog. The worsening situation has also intensified political sparring over pollution control measures in the city.