Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, January 30
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has accused the NDA-led central government of undermining Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, saying that removing the Father of the Nation’s name from the rural employment guarantee scheme was a “malicious act” aimed at weakening a key welfare programme.
In the hill state of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhu and senior Congress leaders offered floral tributes at Gandhi’s statue at the Ridge ground in Shimla on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi . Those attending the ceremony included Himachal Congress in-charge Rajni Patil, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, state Congress president Vinay Kumar, cabinet ministers, legislators and party workers.
Speaking after the tribute, Sukhu criticised the central government over the reported move to change the name and structure of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He said removing Gandhi’s name from the scheme reflected a mindset contrary to the values of social justice and empowerment championed by the freedom leader.
The Chief Minister alleged that the programme had been weakened through recent changes, pointing out that while the scheme was earlier fully funded by the Centre, states are now required to bear 10% of the expenditure. He said the shift had placed an added financial burden on state governments.
Congress leaders later observed a two-hour fast in Shimla to protest against the proposed changes to MGNREGA. The party said the scheme symbolised Gandhi’s vision of dignity of labour and rural employment.
Sukhu also raised concerns about the possible impact on Himachal Pradesh’s apple growers following a trade agreement with the European Union. He warned that local horticulturists could suffer losses and called for protective measures to safeguard farmers’ interests.
Rajni Patil echoed the concerns, urging the central government to take necessary steps to protect apple growers and to reconsider any changes to MGNREGA that, she said, diluted its original spirit.
