Why is the Himachal Cabinet Protesting Against the MNREGA Discontinuation?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu leads a protest against the Central government’s decision to discontinue MNREGA. This scheme has been pivotal for rural employment. Discover the implications for local communities and the future of rural development in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Protest led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
- Opposition to the discontinuation of MNREGA scheme.
- Concerns over rural employment and livelihood security.
- Shift in planning authority to central government.
- Intensified opposition planned by Congress party.
Shimla, Dec 29 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, along with his Cabinet colleagues, staged a protest on Monday at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi located at the Ridge, voicing their dissent against the Central government's decision to terminate the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme.
During the demonstration, the Chief Minister described the government's action as profoundly anti-rural and harmful to the livelihood of countless rural families throughout the state.
He noted that MNREGA, initiated and executed by the Congress-led UPA government under the guidance of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and senior Congress figure Sonia Gandhi, has been essential for providing rural employment and fostering inclusive growth.
Additionally, he mentioned that under the previous framework, projects under MNREGA were developed and implemented based on the resolutions of Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas, ensuring local priorities were represented and grassroots involvement was guaranteed.
“Nevertheless, the new system marginalizes panchayats as the planning authority has become centralized, with funds now allocated directly by the Centre, restricting project notifications to selected regions,” he explained.
The Chief Minister asserted that the Congress party would escalate its opposition by organizing protests at district and block levels across the state to highlight the anti-people nature of this decision.
He warned that Himachal Pradesh would be one of the most adversely affected states nationwide.
Previously, the Central government covered the entire wage liability under MNREGA, while the state contributed an additional incentive of Rs 80 per day to workers.
Under the new arrangement, the Centre will only cover 90 percent of the wages, leaving the state responsible for the remaining costs.
The Chief Minister emphasized that MNREGA should persist in its original form, driven by the demands of panchayats and local developmental necessities.
He added that the salaries of officials and employees assigned to Zila Parishads under MNREGA have also been halted, which could negatively affect the effective execution of the scheme.
Responding to another inquiry, Chief Minister Sukhu stated that the state government firmly opposes the Central government's decision to lessen the import duty on apples, warning that this move could critically harm the state's apple growers. He assured that the issue would be vigorously addressed with the Centre to safeguard the interests of orchardists.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of the ongoing protests led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. This movement highlights the deep-seated concerns regarding rural employment and the potential implications of the government's decisions on local communities. The Congress party's stance against the discontinuation of MNREGA reflects a broader dialogue about development priorities and grassroots participation in governance.
NationPress
29/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MNREGA?
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) is a labor law and social security measure that aims to guarantee a minimum of 100 days of unskilled wage employment in a financial year to every rural household.
Why is the MNREGA scheme being discontinued?
The Central government has decided to discontinue MNREGA, claiming a shift in focus. However, this decision has been met with strong opposition, as it threatens the livelihood security of millions of rural families.
How does MNREGA benefit rural families?
MNREGA provides guaranteed wage employment, thus enhancing the livelihood security of rural households and promoting inclusive growth.
What are the concerns raised by Chief Minister Sukhu?
Chief Minister Sukhu expressed concerns that the decision to discontinue MNREGA is anti-rural and detrimental to the livelihood of rural families, calling for grassroots participation in planning and execution.
What will happen to the wages under the new arrangement?
Under the revised scheme, the Central government will cover only 90% of the wages, leaving the remaining burden on the state, which raises concerns about the effective implementation of the program.
