The name of MNREGA has been changed to Pujya Bapu Rural Employment Scheme. Modi cabinet approved increasing working days from 100 to 125. The opposition called it politics of changing the name, while the government is claiming to increase employment.
New Delhi. On Friday, the central government took a big decision. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has now been renamed as ‘Pujya Bapu Gramin Rojgar Yojana’. Along with this, another relief was announced for rural laborers – now they will get work for 125 days in a year, not 100. The government says that this will further strengthen employment security in villages. Is this decision just a reform or is there politics behind it too?
Why did the government suddenly decide to change the name?
According to sources, the Union Cabinet approved the bill related to this change on Friday. The government argues that the scheme is inspired by the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi and the name ‘Pujya Bapu’ further strengthens his respect. Also, efforts have been made to increase the income of rural families by increasing working days.
What is MNREGA and why is it so important?
MNREGA was implemented in 2005. Its objective was to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed employment every year to poor families living in villages. Under this scheme, even people without any special skills can get labor work. Over the last 20 years, MNREGA has been considered a “lifeline” for rural India, especially in times of drought, unemployment and pandemics.
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125 days work-relief for villagers or just a paper promise?
Increasing working days to 125 sounds like a big decision. The question is whether this will be implemented at the ground level? Earlier too, in many states, full work for 100 days was not available. In such a situation, adding 25 more days will be beneficial only if both payment and work are ensured on time.
What is the logic of changing the name?
On behalf of the government, it has been said that the name ‘Pujya Bapu’ is a symbol of paying respect to Mahatma Gandhi and further strengthens the spirit of the scheme. Also, the income of rural families will increase by getting 25 additional days of work. But the government did not make it clear what new changes the name change would bring at the ground level.
Why did Priyanka Gandhi raise questions on name change?
Congress MP from Wayanad Priyanka Gandhi has expressed displeasure over the government’s decision. He says that there is no logic in changing the name. This only increases unnecessary expenses – office files, boards, stationery, everything has to be replaced. He raised the question that when the plan was already underway, what would be achieved by changing the name?
Congress’s allegation: ‘Rebranding politics’ on the plans
Congress leader Supriya Shrinet claimed that the Modi government has so far changed the names of more than 32 UPA era schemes. He says that the government once considered MNREGA a failure, but today the same scheme is being considered as the “lifeline” of rural India. Congress alleges that the government is trying to take credit by putting new names on old schemes.
Why is the opposition saying that this is politics of distraction?
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that changing the name shows the desperation of the government. According to him, this is a way to divert attention from the real issues of inflation and unemployment. He said that the public has now started understanding the difference between the “WhatsApp version” and the real history.
What is more important than name?
For a rural labourer, the name of the scheme does not matter as much as getting work and receiving money on time. If 125 days employment is implemented properly, it can become a big relief for lakhs of families. But if it is limited to just changing the name, questions will continue to arise. Now everyone’s eyes are on how this bill is passed in the Parliament and how it is implemented in the states. Will this decision change the picture of rural India or will it also remain a political debate – time will answer this.