VB-G RAM G Bill: Rahul Gandhi Slams 'One Man Show' Over MNREGA, Alleges Benefits for Billionaires
VB-G RAM G Bill - Rahul Gandhi Slams 'One Man Show' Over MNREGA, Alleges Benefits for Billionaires
A significant meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) saw intense discussions regarding a proposal to introduce a new scheme in place of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). During this crucial gathering, senior Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Party President Mallikarjun Kharge, strongly criticized the move. Rahul Gandhi notably termed the entire development a 'one man show,' accusing the Prime Minister of unilaterally dismantling MNREGA without proper consultation.
MNREGA: A Rights-Based Concept Under Threat
Addressing the CWC meeting, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi articulated the profound significance of MNREGA, particularly in the context of the proposed VB-G RAM G scheme. He emphasized that MNREGA was far more than just a government program; it was fundamentally a rights-based concept that guaranteed a minimum wage to millions of impoverished individuals across the country, while this scheme served as a vital backbone for employment security in rural India, directly impacting the livelihoods and dignity of countless citizens. On top of that, MNREGA played a crucial role in strengthening grassroots democracy by providing direct political participation and financial support to Panchayati Raj institutions. It empowered states with autonomy in their local development and. Job creation efforts, fostering a decentralized approach to governance and welfare.Assault on Federal Structure and Rights
Rahul Gandhi vehemently accused the Modi government of launching an assault on the very idea of rights and the federal structure of the nation. He asserted that weakening or abolishing MNREGA constitutes a direct attack on the rights-based concept that ensured the right to work for citizens. Concurrently, he characterized it as an attack on the federal structure of states. According to Gandhi, the central government is effectively 'snatching money from states,' leading to an excessive centralization of power and finance. This centralization, he argued, is detrimental to the democratic principles of the country and the autonomy of states, ultimately harming the poor and vulnerable sections of society. The move, he suggested, undermines the collaborative spirit essential for a diverse nation like India.Unilateral Decision from PMO
During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi also disclosed that, based on information he received, the decision to. Terminate MNREGA was made directly by the Prime Minister's Office, bypassing any consultation with the Union Cabinet. He underscored that the Prime Minister had unilaterally decided to end MNREGA without seeking input from his cabinet or conducting a thorough study of the matter's implications. This action, Rahul Gandhi contended, represents a destructive assault by the Prime Minister on states and the. Poor, drawing parallels to other major decisions like demonetization, which were also reportedly made without extensive consultation. This situation, he concluded, points towards a 'one man show,' where all critical decisions are made by a single individual, circumventing established democratic processes.Benefits for Billionaires, Harm for Rural Economy
Rahul Gandhi further alleged that the entire benefit of this 'one man show' is being reaped by only 'two-three billionaires. ' He warned that weakening or dismantling a scheme like MNREGA would inflict severe damage on the rural economy. This program was instrumental in maintaining purchasing power in rural areas and stimulating local economies. Its absence, he predicted, would lead to increased unemployment and a rise in poverty in rural regions, directly affecting the most vulnerable segments of society. Rahul Gandhi firmly stated that the Congress party would vehemently oppose this move and fight against it. He expressed confidence that the entire opposition would unite against this action and challenge the government's decision, emphasizing the need for collective resistance to protect the interests of the common people.Nationwide Agitation Announced
Following the meeting, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge announced that the party has resolved to launch a massive nationwide agitation, with the MNREGA scheme at its core, while he stated that the Indian National Congress, taking a leading role, would commence the 'MNREGA Bachao Abhiyan' (Save MNREGA Campaign) from January 5th. Kharge emphasized that the Congress would protect the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) at all costs, asserting that it isn't merely a scheme but a constitutional right to work granted by the Constitution of India. He also pledged that the Congress would democratically oppose any conspiracy to remove Mahatma Gandhi's name from MNREGA, a move that would undermine the scheme's fundamental ethos and historical significance. This agitation will symbolize the Congress's commitment to defending the rights of rural India and upholding the federal structure of the nation.