In a solemn ceremony on Friday, Shimla witnessed a significant political demonstration as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, accompanied by fellow Congress leaders, paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, observed as Martyrs' Day. The event took place at the historic Ridge in Shimla, marking a day of remembrance for the father of the nation.
Congress Leaders Observe Fast in Protest
Following the tribute, the Congress leaders embarked on a two-hour fast from 11 am to 1 pm. This symbolic act was a direct protest against what they described as the "renaming and dilution" of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) by the BJP-led Union government. The fast aimed to highlight growing concerns over the scheme's integrity and effectiveness.
Allegations Against Central Government
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Sukhu leveled serious allegations against the central government. He claimed that not only has the name of MGNREGA been altered, but the core objectives of the scheme have also been weakened. According to Sukhu, MGNREGA once stood as a robust pillar of rural employment, particularly benefiting youth and women across India.
He expressed dismay that opportunities under the scheme are now being steadily reduced, undermining its original purpose of providing sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.
Historical Context and Current Concerns
Sukhu highlighted the historical significance of MGNREGA, noting that village pradhans previously had the authority to undertake development works such as road construction under the scheme. This ensured employment opportunities close to people's homes, fostering local economic growth.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, MGNREGA played a vital role in providing employment to a large number of people, serving as a crucial safety net during unprecedented times. However, Sukhu voiced concern that the powers of panchayat pradhans are now curtailed, potentially hampering grassroots development.
Impact on Funding and States
The Chief Minister elaborated on the financial implications of the changes, pointing out that for nearly two decades, MGNREGA guaranteed employment and provided unemployment allowances when work was unavailable. He criticized the shift in funding patterns, noting that while the central government earlier bore 100% of the expenditure, it has now moved to a 90:10 funding model.
This change, Sukhu warned, could adversely affect states like Himachal Pradesh, straining their resources and compromising the scheme's implementation.
Broader Economic Concerns
In response to media queries, Sukhu also addressed other economic issues, revealing that he raised concerns with Union Minister Piyush Goyal over the proposed reduction in import duty on apples from New Zealand. He cautioned that such a move could severely impact apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, threatening their livelihoods and the state's agricultural economy.
The two-hour fast, as described by Sukhu, was a symbolic protest against what he termed the systematic dismantling of MGNREGA. This event underscores ongoing tensions between state and central governments over key welfare schemes and their execution.
