In a significant Republic Day address, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge launched a sharp critique against the central government, alleging the effective cancellation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) scheme. Speaking after unfurling the national flag at the DAR ground in Kalaburagi city on Monday, the minister claimed that rural workers are being deprived of their fundamental right to guaranteed employment due to recent policy shifts.
Alleged Replacement of NREGA with New System
Priyank Kharge detailed that under the original NREGA framework, rural workers were assured of 100 days of employment annually, providing a crucial safety net for millions. However, he asserted that the central government has introduced a new system, referred to as VB G Ram G, under the pretext of increasing workdays to 125. This move, according to Kharge, forces workers to operate under contractors, thereby undermining the core objective of NREGA which was designed to empower rural laborers directly.
Criticism of Funding Pattern and State Burden
The minister also raised strong objections to the Centre's revised funding pattern for rural development schemes. He pointed out that the state government is now compelled to bear a 40% share of the expenditure, a situation he described as an injustice to states. This financial burden, Kharge argued, strains state resources and hampers effective implementation of welfare programs.
Highlighting NREGA's Monumental Impact
Reflecting on the 19-year journey of NREGA, Priyank Kharge presented compelling data to underscore its transformative role. He revealed that the scheme has generated an impressive 183 crore man-days of employment across 77 lakh villages nationwide. In Karnataka alone, the initiative created 36 crore man-days of employment spanning 16 lakh villages.
The minister emphasized that approximately one crore families have benefited from NREGA, with nearly 60 lakh women workers gaining employment opportunities. He described NREGA as the world's largest social security and economic equality programme, recalling that landmark schemes guaranteeing the right to employment, food, and education were implemented during Congress rule at the Centre.
Accusations of Playing with People's Lives
Kharge accused the central government of playing with people's lives by discontinuing what he termed a pro-people programme. He argued that replacing NREGA with a contractor-driven model jeopardizes the livelihoods of rural workers who depend on guaranteed employment for their sustenance.
Local Development Announcements for Kalaburagi
Beyond the NREGA controversy, the minister announced significant local development initiatives for Kalaburagi. He confirmed that Praja Soudha buildings would be constructed in four newly formed taluks, enhancing administrative infrastructure in the region.
Furthermore, Kharge disclosed that roads in Kalaburagi city have undergone comprehensive auditing, and a substantial allocation of Rs 300 crore has been made for urban development projects. This funding is designated for the development of city gardens, rejuvenation of lakes, and conservation of water sources, with a detailed blueprint already prepared for implementation.
The minister's Republic Day address thus blended sharp political criticism with announcements of local development, highlighting both challenges in central-state relations and progress in regional infrastructure.
