Cong protest against G RAM G on Jan 11

On the call of the All-India Congress Committee, the Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee today organised an important preparatory meeting at the Congress Bhawan, Sector 35, Chandigarh, to protest against the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the alleged tampering with its core provisions. The meeting was chaired by president of the Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee HS Lucky.

During the meeting, Congress leaders and workers strongly condemned the Central government’s move to change the name of MGNREGA to “VB G Ram G” and its intention to dilute the original objectives and provisions of the Act.

The speakers emphasized that MGNREGA was not merely a scheme, but a landmark law deeply rooted in the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and intrinsically linked to the rights of the poor, labourers and rural India. Any attempt to undermine Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution by changing the name of the Act is unacceptable, they said.

The meeting unanimously decided to launch a phased agitation to take this issue to the masses and to expose the anti-people policies of the BJP-led government.

As part of this programme, a strong protest dharna will be organised by the Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee on the January 11 at the Labour Chowk, Chandigarh.

New law historic: BJP

BJP city president Jitendra Pal Malhotra has termed the G RAM G Bill as revolutionary and visionary step towards the goal of a developed India. He said that this Bill replaced MGNREGA, would accelerate rural development, strengthen rural economy and put an effective check on corruption.

Under this Act, the guaranteed employment days have been increased from 100 to 125 days, providing stronger support for income generation, livelihood security and asset creation for rural families.

He said that Congress and other opposition parties were attempting to mislead the public by spreading confusion about this historic legislation in rural areas. At such a time, it is essential to convey the true intent and objectives of this Act, he said.