Shashi Tharoor Slams Centre's Plan to Rename MGNREGA, Calls it a Betrayal of Gandhi's Vision
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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has come out against the Centre's proposal to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), calling it an unfortunate move that undermines the scheme's identity and philosophy. The move, which aims to introduce a new rural employment framework called the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB - G RAM G Bill, 2025, has been met with criticism from the Opposition, including the Congress. Tharoor argued that Mahatma Gandhi's name is integral to the scheme's identity and that the decision to drop it ignores the historical and moral foundations of the programme. He pointed out that Gandhi's vision of rural development and employment was rooted in his concept of Gram Swaraj and the ideal of Ram Rajya, which were not competing forces but rather complementary ideas. The Congress MP's comments come at a time when the party is mounting a strong attack on the Centre's proposed Bill, which seeks to repeal MGNREGA and replace it with a new rural employment framework. The new scheme promises a statutory guarantee of 125 days of unskilled manual work per rural household each year, but also introduces significant changes to funding and administration. Tharoor's intervention has sparked questions about his relationship with the Congress leadership, particularly after he skipped a meeting of Congress Lok Sabha MPs chaired by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The Kerala MP's absence has drawn attention, particularly given his attendance at high-profile events where senior Opposition leaders were not invited. The row over MGNREGA's overhaul highlights the Centre's efforts to reshape the rural employment landscape, but also raises concerns about the implications of the proposed changes. As the debate continues, Tharoor's comments serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and ensuring that the scheme remains true to its founding principles.
