Bill to Replace MGNREGA Draws Criticism; TDP Flags Higher State Burden

Lok Sabha begins discussion on the Bill; NDA allies support the Bill, though TDP pointed out that a fund-starved State like Andhra Pradesh will need additional support

The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, which seeks to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), faced opposition both within and outside the Parliament, even as the Lok Sabha began debate on the Bill.

The government, ignoring the demands from the Opposition, has conveyed its intent to pass the Bill in the ongoing session of Parliament that concludes on Friday (December 19, 2025).

The Opposition in Parliament and activists outside criticised the new legislation for upending the demand-driven architecture of the MGNREGA, removing its universality, centralisation of decision making and increasing the financial burden on the State governments. 

Both the JD(U) and the LJP (RV) stood in unqualified support of the new legislation, while the TDP flagged the increased burden on the State government. TDP floor leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu said Andhra Pradesh was a revenue-deficient State. “When we have to cough up 40% from the State to fund this scheme, we request that the same amount of support that has been extended for the last one and a half years be continued so that the scheme can be implemented well,” he said. 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/opposition-activists-oppose-new-bill-replacing-mgnrega/article70408586.ece