New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal expressed his endorsement for the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Grameen) (VB G RAM G). He emphasized that this decision was not made arbitrarily, but stemmed from feedback received from citizens on the ground.

In an interview with IANS, the Union Minister of State for Law and Justice discussed various topics, including the proposal to keep courts open 24/7, the Congress party's opposition to VB G RAM G, and the prevailing sentiment in election-approaching Tamil Nadu.

IANS: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant recently announced that courts will be available around the clock. What are your thoughts on this?

Arjun Ram Meghwal: Our democracy stands on three pillars - Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary. It's crucial for all these bodies to perform their responsibilities with care. Extending court hours is a positive step that will benefit citizens, enhancing their quality of life and steering the nation towards a Viksit Bharat.

IANS: Why is the Congress party opposing the new VB G RAM G legislation?

Arjun Ram Meghwal: I question how many Congress members have sought feedback from the grassroots regarding MGNREGA, whether in power or not. We have received substantial input for amending MGNREGA from the public, including in my own Bikaner constituency.

Many issues were raised, with a key concern being the challenges faced by farmers during peak agricultural seasons. The G RAM G Bill addresses these challenges.

During the rainy season, waterlogging occurs in villages and narrow lanes. A system addressing this situation will not only conserve water but also enhance village infrastructure.

Regarding the opposition's objections to the name change, it is important to note that the scheme began as the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, later evolving into NREGA, and then into MGNREGA.

Renaming schemes based on changing circumstances is a practice that has occurred even during Congress's time.

With G RAM G, we aim to enhance infrastructure in rural areas, provide support to the unemployed, eliminate corruption, and guarantee employment for 125 days instead of 100. This will ensure that sufficient labor is available during critical agricultural periods, and the scheme will continue to improve, warranting public support.

IANS: Congress has committed to protests nationwide. What is your response?

Arjun Ram Meghwal: Their stance on MGNREGA is difficult to understand. The amendments were made following public feedback and are intended for the greater good.

IANS: Some parties are opposing the Waqf amendment legislation. Can they prevent its implementation?

Arjun Ram Meghwal: The Waqf amendment bill has successfully passed Parliament. The opposition's protests lack legal foundation. Once a bill is passed, it is binding on all states.

IANS: Rahul Gandhi has criticized India from abroad multiple times. Does this align with his role as Leader of Opposition?

Arjun Ram Meghwal: If you review his actions over the past few years, he consistently travels abroad to criticize India, engaging with students and faculty while disparaging various constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission and the Supreme Court. Such behavior is unbecoming of a national leader.

Recently, he raised concerns about the Special Intensive Roll (SIR), attempting to make it an election issue in Bihar, but his efforts were futile. If he remains unresponsive to this reality, that is his choice.

IANS: Has the DMK government failed Tamil Nadu, particularly regarding law and order? What is your perspective as you take on the role of election co-in-charge for the state?

Arjun Ram Meghwal: The DMK government has not delivered on its promises. They campaigned on the premise of good governance, yet corruption runs rampant. On the development front, they have accomplished little. The Tamil Nadu populace will undoubtedly hold the DMK government accountable.

IANS: Will the NDA regain power in the state?

Arjun Ram Meghwal: Undoubtedly, they will be held accountable.

IANS: A recent rally led by Home Minister Amit Shah drew a significant crowd. What is your take?

Arjun Ram Meghwal: Nainar Nagenthran, the Tamil Nadu BJP president, recently concluded his padyatra, which was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah and myself, alongside Piyush Goyal. It was a remarkable rally.

IANS: Following the Supreme Court's ruling on bail for the 2020 riots accused, some reportedly shouted anti-Modi and anti-Shah slogans. What is your stance on this?

Arjun Ram Meghwal: I commend the Supreme Court's ruling. The slogans were inappropriate. Those asserting that two accused individuals were denied bail due to their religion should note that five others who received bail are also from the same faith.

If someone is dissatisfied with a Supreme Court or High Court ruling, they should pursue legal avenues. Such narratives are inappropriate in a democratic society.

IANS: Congress claims that bail was denied based on the accused's community.

Arjun Ram Meghwal: The Congress party thrives on minority appeasement. This has become their operational strategy.