In a sharp critique of the Punjab government, a senior BJP leader has publicly questioned its opposition to a new central law that promises more work days for rural laborers. The confrontation centers on the recently introduced Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act.
BJP Leader Defends New Law, Questions State's Stance
Paramjit Singh Kainth, the vice-president of the Punjab BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha, on Sunday termed the new legislation as "a law in the interest of the labourers." He directly challenged the Aam Aadmi Party government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, asking why it was opposing a policy that increases the guaranteed days of rural employment.
In a written statement, Kainth highlighted the core benefit: "The new Act increases the rural employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days." He posed a pointed question to the state administration: "Why is the Punjab govt opposing a law that provides labourers with 25 additional days of guaranteed livelihood?"
Allegations of MGNREGA Failures and Corruption
The BJP leader did not stop at questioning the opposition. He launched a broadside against the Mann government's handling of the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Kainth pointed out that the current law mandates providing work within 15 days of demand, failing which an unemployment allowance must be given. He accused the Punjab government of failing to deliver on both counts.
Further escalating the attack, Kainth alleged that the state government was "protecting officials involved in irregularities, scams, and corruption in various MGNREGA schemes." He listed specific malpractices, including issuing fake job cards and payment receipts, and listing deceased or ineligible individuals as beneficiaries.
Demand for White Paper and Action on Dues Claim
The political duel also touched upon financial claims. Kainth outright dismissed the assertion made by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema that the central government owes the state Rs 23,446 crore. He did not provide a counter-figure but challenged the state's narrative on fiscal dues.
Pushing for transparency and accountability, the BJP leader threw down a gauntlet to Chief Minister Mann. He challenged him to "release a white paper on the irregularities in MGNREGA over the last three years." Additionally, Kainth demanded concrete action, insisting that officials who deprived Scheduled Caste labourers of their legal rights under the Scheduled Castes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act be punished.
This confrontation sets the stage for a heated debate on rural employment and governance in Punjab, with the BJP positioning itself as the champion of laborers' rights against the ruling AAP.
