West Bengal to Rename Job Scheme After Mahatma Gandhi
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that the State government will rename its rural employment scheme after Mahatma Gandhi, amid a political row over changes to the Centre’s rural employment framework. The decision was presented as a move to uphold Gandhi’s legacy at a time when the naming and structure of national rural employment programmes are being debated.
Chief Minister’s Announcement
Banerjee said the State would ensure that Mahatma Gandhi’s name continues to be associated with employment guarantee initiatives in West Bengal. She argued that Gandhi’s ideals of dignity of labour and social justice should remain central to welfare programmes aimed at rural workers. The Chief Minister made the announcement while criticising recent policy changes at the national level, which have triggered opposition concerns over the future direction of rural employment guarantees.
Background to the Dispute
The announcement comes amid disagreement between the Trinamool Congress-led State government and the Union government over reforms to rural employment schemes. Opposition parties have accused the Centre of weakening the spirit of employment guarantees and distancing such programmes from their original intent. The Centre, however, has maintained that the changes are aimed at improving efficiency and expanding livelihood support.
Political and Administrative Implications
The renaming of the State scheme is expected to be largely symbolic, with officials indicating that its implementation and benefits for workers will continue without disruption. The move has added to ongoing political tensions between West Bengal and the Centre, especially on issues related to welfare delivery and federal relations. Further details on the revised name and rollout are expected to be announced by the State government.
