Government's Plan to Replace MGNREGA Sparks Heated Debate in Parliament
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A contentious bill aimed at replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) has sparked a heated debate in the Indian Parliament. The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, seeks to revamp the two-decade-old rural employment scheme. According to government officials, the new bill aligns with the 'Viksit Bharat' goal, focusing on four major types of works that prioritize durable assets supporting water security, rural infrastructure, livelihoods, and climate adaptation. The new Act also mandates Viksit gram panchayat plans, prepared by local panchayats and integrated with national spatial systems. However, the Opposition has fiercely opposed the bill, with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge calling it a 'BJP-RSS conspiracy to end MGNREGA.' Kharge accused the government of trying to dismantle the flagship rural employment scheme, which has been a cornerstone of India's rural development efforts. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, a former rural development minister, has demanded that the bill be sent to a standing committee for review. Ramesh argued that the bill requires deep study and wide consultations, citing concerns over its potential impact on rural communities. CPI(M) lawmaker John Brittas criticized the government for removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from the scheme, saying it is a 'cost-shifting exercise' that will burden states with additional expenses. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also opposed the bill, calling it a 'sabotage' of the 100 Days Employment Guarantee scheme. Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor expressed regret over the controversy, saying it ignores the profound symbiosis between Gandhiji's concept of Gram Swaraj and the ideal of Ram Rajya. Tharoor urged the government to respect the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and not create divisions where none existed. As the debate continues, the fate of MGNREGA and the future of rural employment in India remain uncertain.
