Controversial Renaming: Mahatma Gandhi NREGA to 'Pujya Bapu' Sparks Debate

The Indian government's decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, popularly known as MGNREGA, to 'Pujya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna' has sparked controversy. Key opposition figures have criticized the move as an attempt to erase Mahatma Gandhi's legacy, calling it a mere rebranding effort with inadequate funding support.

The Indian Cabinet's decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as 'Pujya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna' has stirred a political storm. Opposition leaders, particularly from Congress, argue that the move reflects disdain for Mahatma Gandhi's legacy and is only a superficial change.

The Union Cabinet's approval not only involves the renaming but also an increase in the number of workdays from 100 to 125. However, critics emphasize that despite these changes, the government has persistently cut funding over the years, leading to significant backlogs in wage payments.

Jairam Ramesh and K C Venugopal from Congress accused the Modi government of attempting to claim credit for a beneficial scheme initiated in 2005. They argue the rebranding is a tactic to obscure neglect and a step towards diminishing the historic significance of Mahatma Gandhi in rural India.

(With inputs from agencies.)