Short Description
Congress MP P. Chidambaram criticizes the Indian government’s decision to replace MGNREGA, labeling it a “second killing of Gandhi” and warning about its impact on rural employment.
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3 minutes and 45 seconds
Main Article
In a fervent press conference held in Chennai, Congress MP P. Chidambaram voiced strong opposition to the Indian government’s recent legislative changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The newly passed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill aims to replace the existing employment guarantee framework. Chidambaram described this move as the “second killing of Mahatma Gandhi,” questioning the government’s intentions behind erasing Gandhi’s legacy from such a crucial social security program.
According to Chidambaram, the new bill dilutes the legal entitlements MGNREGA once afforded citizens. Previously, the law stipulated that if a citizen requested work, the government was obligated to provide it. With the new changes, however, work can only be requested once the government extends an offer, fundamentally altering the dynamic of rural employment guarantees. He emphasized that this rollback poses a significant threat to the “ultra-poor,” primarily impacting women and daily wage workers in rural settings, where MGNREGA served as a vital safety net for millions.
Furthermore, the bill’s new terminology—particularly the use of Hindi phrases written in English script—raises concerns about accessibility for rural populations, particularly in southern states. Chidambaram also pointed out that the scheme’s coverage will be limited, as it will only apply to “notified districts,” contrasting with MGNREGA’s broad national scope. The senior Congress leader highlighted the financial constraints accompanying this legislation, indicating a significant reduction in budget allocations for rural employment programs. He noted that past allocations of ₹1,11,000 crores have plummeted to ₹65,000 crores for the upcoming year, pushing financial responsibility onto state governments.
Chidambaram’s assertions attract attention not just for their implications on rural employment, but also for the socio-political discourse surrounding Gandhi’s legacy in contemporary governance. With his passionate remarks, he promises that the Congress party will actively oppose the new law, reinforcing their commitment to restoring an employment framework that honors its foundational principles. The language of this new scheme not only raises eyebrows but also highlights a disconnect between policymakers and the rural populace they aim to serve.
Short Summary
Congress MP P. Chidambaram strongly criticizes the Indian government’s decision to replace MGNREGA with a new employment bill, warning of adverse impacts on rural workers and the erasure of Gandhi’s legacy. The shift from a legal entitlement to a discretionary scheme poses significant risks, particularly to the vulnerable populations that MGNREGA once safeguarded.
