Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema criticized the BJP-led Union government for dismantling the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. He accused the government of depriving the poor of their right to a livelihood by centralizing the scheme and implementing changes.
During a session in the Vidhan Sabha, Cheema highlighted concerns raised by a woman worker, Charanjit Kaur, regarding the impact of the changes on rural laborers. He emphasized that the new rules and centralized lists could hinder education for children and access to medicine for the elderly.
Cheema condemned the government’s move to rename the MGNREGA scheme to ‘Viksit Bharat — G GRAM G’, calling it an assault on the marginalized. He criticized the shift towards mobile-based attendance and centralization, stating that it undermines the essence of the scheme that was crucial for rural survival.
The Finance Minister accused the BJP of going against the principles of the Constitution and working against the spirit of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s authored document. He warned that the government’s policies are eroding the fundamental values enshrined in the Constitution, particularly the principles of a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
Cheema raised concerns about the government’s attempt to centralize various schemes, which he argued is detrimental to cooperative federalism and weakens local economies. He objected to the religious renaming of the scheme, stating that it could be a tactic to deflect criticism and suppress dissent by labeling protesters as disrespectful to religious sentiments.
Highlighting the Punjab government’s efforts to empower the Dalit community, Cheema praised the Aam Aadmi Party’s initiatives for Dalit upliftment. He noted the historic representation of Dalits in the state cabinet and the appointment of the first Dalit Finance Minister, emphasizing the party’s commitment to social justice.
Cheema concluded by announcing support for a nationwide movement against the government’s policies and urged the Speaker to forward letters from MGNREGA workers to the Prime Minister’s Office. He emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of laborers and preventing corporate interests from overshadowing their welfare.
