'Why removing Gandhi's name? MGNREGA scheme renaming sparks row
What's the story
The Narendra Modi-led government has proposed a new scheme, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB G RAM G Bill. The new legislation seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005. The government claims the change is in line with its long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Per reports, a whip has been issued, and BJP MPs have been ordered to attend Parliament to ensure that the bill passes.
Scheme modifications
New bill proposes changes to rural employment scheme
The proposed VB G RAM G Bill raises the guaranteed wage employment from 100 days to 125 days per year for every rural household. It also introduces a new fund-sharing ratio between the Centre and states, with a 60:40 ratio for most states. This ratio will be 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan states, and 100% for Union territories. This is in contrast to MGNREGA's model where unskilled wages were fully funded by the Centre.
Name controversy
Opposition questions government's decision to remove Gandhi's name
The decision to drop Mahatma Gandhi's name from the scheme has sparked criticism from opposition parties. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the need for changing the name, asking what benefit it served and why Mahatma Gandhi's legacy was being disregarded. "I don't understand what the objective is," she said, adding that time and public money were being wasted on administrative changes.
Scheme critique
Critics argue new scheme undermines MGNREGA's rights-based nature
Another Congress leader, Ranjeet Ranjan, said the BJP earlier had a problem with Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. '"Now the country is watching that they have a problem with Bapu. You ensure timely payments to states under MGNREGA. You raise 100 to 150 days,...It is a shame that the government is focused on just changing names," she told NDTV. Critics, including CPI(M) MP John Brittas, have argued that the VB G RAM G Bill undermines the rights-based nature of MGNREGA.
Defense
Government defends new scheme
Brittas said removing Gandhi's name was "only the trailer" and accused the government of replacing a legal employment guarantee with a conditional scheme. He argued that it would lead to higher costs for states without improving employment guarantees.' Defending the move, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said PM Modi's intent was beyond symbolism. He argued that the government was changing not just names but also sentiments behind schemes.