AP Congress chief Sharmila criticises Centre’s decision to rename MGNREGA scheme
Andhra Pradesh Congress chief Sharmila on Monday criticised the Centre’s decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). She said the move undermines the scheme’s original intent of providing guaranteed employment and livelihood security to rural workers.
Sharmila alleged that renaming the programme is a political gimmick that diverts attention from pressing issues like timely wage payments and effective implementation. She urged the government to focus on improving the scheme’s efficiency rather than changing its name.
The Congress leader highlighted that MGNREGA has been a lifeline for millions of rural households, especially during economic hardships and natural calamities. She warned that altering its identity could create confusion among beneficiaries and weaken its impact.
Sharmila called for dialogue with stakeholders and urged the authorities to strengthen MGNREGA in practice, ensuring transparency, timely disbursal of wages, and greater support for rural development. Andhra Pradesh Congress chief Sharmila slams the Centre, asserting that the scheme’s purpose should remain paramount.
