Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday launched a strong opposition against the central government's decision to restructure the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He termed the move an anti-rural step that jeopardizes the livelihood security of millions across the country.
Congress Intensifies Protests Across Himachal
Sukhu, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, staged a symbolic protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue at the Ridge in Shimla. He declared that the Congress party would escalate its opposition by organizing demonstrations at district and block levels throughout Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the vital role played by MGNREGA, a scheme launched by the Congress-led UPA government. He emphasized that the program has been instrumental in providing employment and fostering inclusive growth in rural India for years.
Centralization of Planning Draws Sharp Criticism
Sukhu stressed that the original strength of MGNREGA was its foundation in grassroots democracy. Projects were planned and executed based on resolutions passed by the gram panchayats and gram sabhas, ensuring local needs were met.
He launched a sharp critique of the new framework, alleging that it completely sidelines the panchayats by centralizing planning and funding decisions. Under the revised system, projects will be identified by the Centre and implemented only in selected areas, stripping local bodies of their decision-making power, Sukhu explained.
Increased Financial Burden on the State
The Chief Minister warned that Himachal Pradesh would be severely affected by these changes. He detailed a significant shift in the funding pattern: previously, the Centre bore the full wage cost, while the state provided an additional incentive of Rs 80 per day.
Now, with the Centre covering only 90% of the wages, the financial burden on the state exchequer will increase substantially. Sukhu also expressed deep concern over the discontinuation of salaries for MGNREGA staff working in zila parishads, which could cripple the scheme's administration.
In a related issue, Sukhu also opposed the Centre's decision to reduce import duty on apples, stating it would directly harm Himachal's apple growers. He promised to take up this issue strongly alongside the MGNREGA matter.
