The VB-G RAM G Bill, which replaces the 20-year-old MGNREGA, increases guaranteed working days from 100 to 125 days per rural household per year. The bill was passed in parliament amid an outcry from the opposition.
On the other hand, Karmashree, launched by the West Bengal government last year, has provided 101.5 crore person-days of employment to over 90 lakh job card holders, guaranteeing a minimum of 50 days of employment per year for rural households. The scheme is fully funded by the Government of West Bengal.
Announcing the decision two days earlier, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “We have therefore decided to rename our Karmashree scheme after Mahatma Gandhi. We look for nothing but respect. If some do not know how to honor Mahatma Gandhi, we will show what true respect means.”
The state government has also paid pending MGNREGA wages amounting to Rs 6,919 crore from its own resources to 58 lakh workers.
Addressing a business and industry conclave at the Dhana Dhanya auditorium on Thursday, Banerjee said the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from MGNREGA filled her with “deep shame”.
“I feel ashamed that they have decided to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the NREGA programme. Are we now even forgetting the Father of the Nation?” she said.
The Chief Minister claimed that her government under Karmashree would continue to create working days while alleging that the Center was blocking funds for West Bengal. She asserted that West Bengal would stick to its promise of providing employment to its people.
Banerjee said West Bengal had started the Karmashree program after the Center stopped funds under MGNREGA. “Even if central funds are stopped, we will ensure that people get jobs. We are not beggars,” she said.
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