Manipur Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam raised several concerns in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the VB-G RAM G Bill. He urged members to look beyond party lines and work together while passing laws that directly affect people’s lives and rights.
Speaking in the House, Dr. Akoijam said Parliament must protect the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. He warned that any attempt to reduce Gandhi’s moral and historical importance would weaken India’s democratic values. The MP referred to a well-known view that the modern world was shaped by Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, Albert Einstein and Mahatma Gandhi, and pointed out that Gandhi was the only non-Jew among them. He stressed that Gandhiji’s ideals remain central to the country and must be respected by all parties.
Dr. Akoijam also highlighted two major laws passed by Parliament—the Right to Information Act and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. He noted that RTI strengthened democratic accountability by giving people the right to question the State, while MGNREGA draws strength from the constitutional Right to Work under Article 21. 
The MP expressed concern about continuing rural distress and said the Centre should strengthen MGNREGA. He asked the Government to extend the number of guaranteed workdays to between 125 and 150 per year. He also demanded that daily wages be raised to at least ₹500 so that the scheme provides meaningful support to poor households.
Dr. Akoijam said Parliament should take a more consultative approach when dealing with legislation that affects citizens’ rights and livelihood. He urged the Government and Opposition to cooperate rather than confront each other. He requested that the VB-G RAM G Bill be sent to a Select Committee for detailed study and wider consultation before it is passed.
