Why is the AITUC-Linked Agricultural Workers' Group Opposing the MGNREGA Renaming?
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Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Labourers’ Association has voiced strong opposition against the Union government's decision to rename MGNREGA. This move is seen as an affront to Mahatma Gandhi's legacy, with calls for the government to reconsider its decision and enhance the scheme instead.
Key Takeaways
- The Tamil Nadu association opposes the renaming of MGNREGA.
- The scheme provides 100 days of wage employment annually.
- The move is viewed as an affront to Mahatma Gandhi's legacy.
- Calls to increase guaranteed employment to 200 days have been made.
- The controversy reflects larger societal tensions regarding historical narratives.
Chennai, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Labourers’ Association, which is affiliated with the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), has expressed strong opposition to the Union government's plan to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The association characterized this decision as a manifestation of a "deep-seated hatred" towards Mahatma Gandhi.
In a statement released on Saturday, the association’s general secretary, A. Bhaskar, asserted that removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from the flagship rural employment scheme represents an effort to undermine both the essence of the legislation and the legacy of the Father of the Nation.
He reminded everyone that the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was established in 2005 by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, following persistent advocacy by Left parties, with the goal of providing livelihood security to rural households.
The Act guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually to agricultural laborers and rural worker families who primarily rely on manual labor for their livelihood.
Bhaskar emphasized that the scheme has gained international acclaim as a groundbreaking welfare initiative, effectively ensuring employment for millions of rural laborers over the past two decades.
He vehemently opposed the BJP-led Union government’s decision, made on December 12, 2025, to rebrand the scheme as the “Poojya Babu Gramin Rozgar Yojana” by omitting Mahatma Gandhi's name, a move he categorically rejected.
Mahatma Gandhi, Bhaskar pointed out, is globally honored as the Father of the Nation and symbolizes secularism, non-violence, and social harmony.
He accused groups like the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha of historically opposing Gandhi and rejecting his principles.
Bhaskar noted that Gandhi held equal respect for all religions and dedicated his life to fostering national unity, highlighting the tragic irony of his assassination by extremist factions.
He further claimed that the Sangh Parivar has been glorifying figures such as V.D. Savarkar and Nathuram Godse for over a decade while systematically distorting historical narratives.
The decision to alter the rural employment law's name, he contended, is part of a larger effort to erase Gandhi’s legacy from public consciousness.
The association also alleged that since the BJP-led Union government's rise to power, the implementation of MGNREGA has consistently deteriorated, and the name change is an attempt to dilute its identity.
Condemning what he termed a “venomous attack” on Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, Bhaskar called for the Union government to retract the renaming decision immediately.
He also urged the Centre and the Prime Minister to enhance the scheme by increasing guaranteed employment to 200 days a year and establishing the minimum daily wage at Rs 700.
Point of View
It is our role to present an unbiased perspective on the opposition raised by the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Labourers’ Association against the renaming of MGNREGA. The controversy surrounds the significance of Mahatma Gandhi's legacy and the potential impact on rural employment in India. This issue reflects broader societal tensions that merit comprehensive discussion and analysis, ensuring all viewpoints are considered while advocating for the welfare of rural communities.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the MGNREGA being renamed?
The Union government has decided to rename MGNREGA as part of a broader strategy, which has been met with strong opposition from various groups, including the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Labourers’ Association.
What is the significance of MGNREGA?
MGNREGA provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment per year to rural households, playing a crucial role in ensuring livelihood security for millions of agricultural laborers.
Who opposed the renaming decision?
The Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Labourers’ Association, affiliated with AITUC, has led the opposition against the renaming of MGNREGA.
What are the implications of renaming MGNREGA?
The renaming is seen as an attempt to undermine the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and may affect public perception and support for the rural employment scheme.
What demands did the association make regarding MGNREGA?
The association demanded the government to withdraw the renaming decision and increase guaranteed employment to 200 days a year, with a minimum daily wage of Rs 700.
