Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution to Preserve Mahatma Gandhi's Name in Rural Job Scheme
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, in a significant move on Friday, adopted a resolution strongly urging the central government to continue naming the flagship rural employment guarantee scheme after Mahatma Gandhi. The resolution expressed deep concern over the recent renaming of the scheme to Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB G Ram G), arguing that this change dishonors the Father of the Nation.
Resolution Highlights Principles and Federalism Concerns
The resolution stated, "With various intentions, the name of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi has been removed and this scheme has been renamed. The scheme should continue to be named after Mahatma Gandhi in remembrance of the principles laid down and the path he had shown for the nation." Beyond the symbolic aspect, the resolution called for uninterrupted fund flow under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (MGNREGA) and demanded the dropping of a proposed discretionary "intent-based assessment" mechanism. It warned that such a mechanism would "severely hit rural livelihoods and undermine federalism."
Chief Minister Stalin's Strong Critique and Fiscal Warnings
Moving the resolution, Chief Minister M K Stalin presented a detailed critique of the central government's approach. He asserted that the proposed change to VB G Ram G would be harmful to the financial autonomy of local bodies and detrimental to the state's overall fiscal health. Stalin highlighted that this move would jeopardize the livelihood of nearly 74 lakh active workers from 65 lakh households in Tamil Nadu, with 85% of these workers being women.
Stalin urged that annual allocations should not be lower than previous years' to safeguard the livelihoods of women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and persons with disabilities, while ensuring social security. He emphasized that Tamil Nadu has implemented both state and centrally sponsored schemes efficiently, earning repeated praise from Union ministries. "Despite this, the Union government continues its policy of betraying Tamil Nadu," he said, accusing it of deliberately delaying fund releases and subjecting the state to "step-motherly treatment."
Pending Dues and Political Reactions
Highlighting substantial pending dues, the Chief Minister revealed that the Centre is yet to release ₹1,026 crore towards wages and ₹1,087 crore towards material components under MGNREGA for the 2025–26 financial year. The resolution received support from DMK allies in the assembly.
However, AIADMK deputy leader of the opposition R B Udhayakumar termed the resolution "politically motivated." He acknowledged that the 2005 scheme needed periodic modifications but stated that the AIADMK opposed its renaming. Notably, BJP MLAs were absent from the assembly as they were attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally, while AIADMK members remained silent during the voice vote.
Unanimous Passage and Political Digs
Speaker M Appavu declared that the resolution was passed "unanimously" in the house. Following the passage, Chief Minister Stalin took a dig at AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, who had gone to receive the Prime Minister. "I hope he raises this issue with the PM for the welfare of our rural people," Stalin remarked, adding a layer of political commentary to the proceedings.
This resolution underscores the ongoing tensions between the state and central governments over welfare schemes, federal autonomy, and the symbolic legacy of national icons. It brings to the forefront critical issues of rural employment, women's livelihoods, and fiscal federalism in India's political landscape.
