Congress Party in Namakkal Demands Restoration of Original MGNREGA Scheme
The Namakkal East district unit of the Congress party has made a significant demand to the Central government, calling for the reinstatement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in its original form. This appeal was formally presented during a gram sabha meeting in Kumaripalayam, where the party expressed strong opposition to the recently introduced Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), which has replaced the longstanding MGNREGA scheme.
Resolution Passed in Gram Sabha Meeting
Dr P V Senthil, the newly elected district president of the Namakkal East District Congress Committee, spearheaded this initiative by presenting a detailed resolution at the Kumaripalayam gram sabha. The meeting, attended by local representatives and community members, unanimously passed the resolution, highlighting widespread support for the demand. Senthil emphasized that MGNREGA has been a cornerstone of livelihood security for millions across India, particularly benefiting marginalized groups.
Historical Significance and Benefits of MGNREGA
In his address, Dr Senthil underscored the historical importance of MGNREGA, describing it as a landmark scheme enacted by Parliament during the Congress regime. He stated, "It is a historic scheme brought by the parliament during the Congress regime as a legal right of the people." The scheme guaranteed at least 100 days of employment annually, fostering local job creation, rural infrastructure development, and economic empowerment, especially for women.
Key advantages of MGNREGA highlighted include:
- Provision of livelihood security for the poor, agricultural labourers, and women
- Support for backward, scheduled, and tribal communities
- Enhancement of rural infrastructure through local employment
- Economic security and empowerment for women in rural areas
Criticism of Current Government Policies
Dr Senthil raised serious concerns about the Central government's handling of MGNREGA in recent years. He pointed out that insufficient financial allocations and persistent delays in salary payments have severely impacted rural livelihoods. "The central govt had not provided the necessary financial allocation for this project over the past few years and the delay in payment of salaries had severely affected the livelihoods of rural people," he explained.
These issues have reportedly led to increased social problems, including job loss, poverty, and debt burdens. Vulnerable groups such as women, scheduled castes, backward classes, hill tribes, and the elderly have been disproportionately affected, according to Senthil.
Republic Day Commemorations and Public Engagement
Prior to the gram sabha meeting, Dr Senthil participated in Republic Day celebrations in Mohanur, where he garlanded statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Kamaraj, and Indira Gandhi. This act of homage was part of the country's 77th Republic Day observances, and he also distributed sweets to the public, fostering community engagement and highlighting the party's connection with local traditions and values.
The Congress party's demand in Namakkal reflects broader concerns about rural employment schemes in India, as stakeholders debate the effectiveness of new initiatives versus established programs like MGNREGA. This development underscores ongoing political and social discussions surrounding welfare policies and their implementation at the grassroots level.
