Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said the employment guarantee scheme was introduced during the Congress-led government to support rural workers
Vijay Wadettiwar. File Pic
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday criticised the Centre over changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), alleging that the employment scheme meant for poor labourers was being weakened. He also questioned the government’s move to replace Mahatma Gandhi’s name with VB-G RAM G, reported news agency ANI.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said the employment guarantee scheme was introduced during the Congress-led government to support rural workers. “When the Modi government came to power, they mocked MNREGA, but people continued to depend on it. Later, they realised its importance and removed Mahatma Gandhi’s name, replacing it with G-RAM G,” he said, reported ANI.
Questions removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from scheme
Questioning the decision, Wadettiwar asked, “Mahatma Gandhi ka naam hata ke kya milega?” (What will they gain by removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name?). He said the Father of the Nation played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle, adding that while the government invokes his name, employment opportunities are being curtailed. “That is why public anger is rising,” he said, reported ANI.
Mentions MNREGA Bachao protests, alleges unfulfilled assurances
Referring to the ongoing MNREGA Bachao protests, the Congress leader said earlier agitations had ended with assurances from the government that were not honoured. “Earlier, the government compromised midway and made promises, but those assurances were never fulfilled. This time, I don’t think people will step back. The government will have to answer for misleading the public,” he said, reported ANI.
Alleges neglect of farmers, comments on weakening rupee
Wadettiwar also accused the Centre of neglecting farmers, saying it reflected the government’s attitude towards the agrarian community.
Commenting on the weakening rupee ahead of the Union Budget, he said the currency had become very weak and claimed the government appeared weaker than the rupee. “The rupee falls when foreign investment declines. The public understands the condition of the country and the government,” he added, reported ANI.
Union minister Chouhan hits back at Congress criticism
Meanwhile, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan last week hit back at the Opposition’s criticism of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G Ram G) Act, accusing Congress leaders of spreading misinformation and creating confusion over the legislation. He said it was not “Gandhi’s truth”.
Calling the Congress’s nationwide “Bachao MNREGA” campaign misleading, Chouhan said such narratives amounted to a mockery of the truth. He also reiterated that Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, persons with disabilities and the poor remain central to the government’s employment commitment.
(With inputs from ANI)
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