The West Bengal Job Scheme has been renamed ‘Mahatma-Shree’ by the State government to honour Mahatma Gandhi. The decision followed the Union government’s move to replace MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Bill. A formal notification confirmed the renaming of the State’s ‘Karmashree’ scheme.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the decision on December 18, 2025, during a business conclave in Kolkata. She criticised the Centre for removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the national rural employment programme. She said the move disrespected the Father of the Nation and hurt national values.
The Karmashree scheme was introduced in the 2024–25 State Budget. It promised 50 days of wage employment each year for rural unskilled workers holding MGNREGA job cards. However, farm unions have claimed that workers have not seen benefits on the ground.
Central funding for MGNREGA in West Bengal has remained suspended since April 2022. The Centre cited corruption in scheme implementation as the reason. Earlier this year, both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court ordered the resumption of the 100-day work scheme. Despite these directions, workers continue to wait for employment and pending wages.
The renaming signals a political and symbolic stand by the State amid ongoing disputes over rural employment rights.
