Will CM Mamata Rename Bengal Job Scheme After Mahatma Gandhi Amid NREGA Controversy?
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Synopsis
In a striking response to the BJP's proposed changes to the MGNREGA, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the renaming of the state's job scheme after Mahatma Gandhi. This move reflects her commitment to honoring national icons amidst political tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee announces renaming of job scheme.
- Renaming honors Mahatma Gandhi amid political tensions.
- Karmashree scheme provides 75 days of work, aiming for 100.
- Banerjee criticizes the BJP for disrespecting national icons.
- Central funding issues have impacted rural employment.
Kolkata, Dec 18 (NationPress) In a bold move against the BJP-led central government, which is attempting to replace the longstanding Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) with the VB-G RAM G scheme, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared on Thursday that her administration will rename its rural job guarantee initiative in honor of Mahatma Gandhi.
During a business and industry conclave held at an auditorium in Kolkata, Chief Minister Banerjee, while refraining from directly mentioning the BJP, expressed that if “certain political factions lack respect for our national heroes,” her government would take the necessary steps to rectify that.
“It’s disheartening to see that they plan to erase Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the NREGA program because I, too, am a citizen of this country. We are gradually neglecting even the Father of the Nation. If they cannot honor our Father of the Nation, we certainly will. We will rename our state’s Karmashree scheme after Mahatma Gandhi,” Banerjee stated while addressing a full house at the Dhano Dhanyo auditorium.
This announcement was made after the Lok Sabha approved the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which aims to substitute the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.
Under the Karmashree initiative, the West Bengal government asserts it provides up to 75 days of employment to beneficiaries.
Banerjee mentioned that the goal is to extend the number of workdays under the ‘Karmashree’ scheme to 100 in the near future.
“We have already managed to generate a substantial amount of workdays through ‘Karmashree’, funded by our own resources. Even if we face a halt in central funding, we will ensure that our people continue to have work. We are not dependent on anyone,” she emphasized.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister criticized the central government for cutting off funds to West Bengal under the MGNREGA scheme over the past few years, which she claimed has severely impacted the state's residents, particularly those at the grassroots level.
Point of View
This development underscores the ongoing political rivalry between the West Bengal government and the BJP. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's decision to honor Mahatma Gandhi by renaming the job scheme highlights the importance of preserving national icons in public policy, while also addressing the concerns surrounding employment in rural areas.
NationPress
21/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mamata Banerjee renaming the job scheme?
Mamata Banerjee aims to honor Mahatma Gandhi amidst criticisms of the BJP government's attempt to replace the longstanding MGNREGA scheme.
What is the Karmashree scheme?
The Karmashree scheme is a rural job guarantee program by the West Bengal government, providing employment opportunities to beneficiaries.
How many workdays does the Karmashree scheme offer?
Currently, the Karmashree scheme offers up to 75 days of work, with plans to increase it to 100 days in the future.
What criticisms did Banerjee express regarding central funding?
Banerjee criticized the central government for stopping funds to West Bengal under the MGNREGA scheme, which she claims has caused significant inconvenience to residents.
What was passed in the Lok Sabha?
The Lok Sabha passed the VB-G RAM G Bill, which seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.
