Priyanka Gandhi Slams MGNREGA Renaming in Parliament
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday criticised the Union government over its move to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), calling it an attack on both the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and the rights of rural workers. She raised the issue during discussions in Parliament, accusing the government of weakening a landmark welfare programme through symbolic and structural changes.
The government has proposed renaming the scheme as the Viksit Bharat – Gramin Rozgar Aur Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM-G), arguing that the new framework is aimed at improving efficiency and expanding livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
Concerns Over Dilution of Legal Guarantee
Priyanka Gandhi said MGNREGA is not merely a welfare scheme but a legal right that guarantees rural households up to 100 days of wage employment. She warned that renaming and restructuring the programme could dilute its rights-based nature and reduce accountability. The Congress leader questioned whether the legal guarantee would remain intact under the new framework.
She also raised concerns about delayed wage payments and alleged underfunding of the scheme, stating that these issues have already affected rural livelihoods.
Government Defends Proposed Changes
The government maintained that the proposed changes are intended to modernise rural employment delivery and integrate skill development with infrastructure creation. Ministers said the legal guarantee of employment will not be removed and that the new framework aims to generate sustainable livelihoods rather than short-term work.
Political Debate Intensifies
Opposition parties supported Priyanka Gandhi’s remarks, calling the renaming unnecessary and politically motivated. The government, however, rejected the criticism, saying the focus should be on outcomes rather than the name of the scheme.
The issue is expected to remain a point of contention as parliamentary debate on rural employment reforms continues.
