Opposition MPs disrupted Parliament during President Murmu’s address over the VB–G RAM G law replacing MGNREGA and extending job guarantee to 125 days.

Sloganeering broke out in Parliament on Tuesday morning during the President’s address at the opening of the Budget Session, as Opposition members protested against the newly introduced “VB–G RAM G” law, which is set to replace the MGNREGA scheme.

While delivering her customary address, President Droupadi Murmu referred to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act, popularly known as the VB–G RAM G law.

“For employment generation and development in rural areas, the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G law has been enacted. Under this reform, villages will receive a guarantee of 125 days of employment,” the President said.

As ruling NDA members applauded the announcement, Opposition MPs created a ruckus in the House and demanded the withdrawal of the law.

The VB–G RAM G Act is positioned as a revamped version of the UPA-era Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The legislation was passed in Parliament amid strong protests during the previous session and received the President’s assent in December.

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Under MGNREGA, rural households were entitled to 100 days of guaranteed employment along with an unemployment allowance if work was not provided. The new law increases the employment guarantee to 125 days, while retaining the other provisions.

However, the Opposition has objected to the new framework, particularly the provision that employment will be generated through pre-approved plans rather than open demand-based work.

The Congress has also criticised the renaming of the scheme, arguing that replacing Mahatma Gandhi’s name reflects an attempt to erase the legacy of the Father of the Nation.

The Budget Session commenced today, with the first phase scheduled to continue until February 13, followed by the second phase from March 9 to April 2. The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.