Scrapping MNREGA Is Anti-Rural, Says CM Sukhu; Statewide Protests Announced
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday strongly criticized the Central Government’s decision to discontinue the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), describing the move as “deeply anti-rural” and harmful to the livelihood security of millions of families dependent on the scheme.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by members of his Cabinet, staged a protest near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Ridge in Shimla to register opposition to the decision. Addressing party workers and supporters, he said MNREGA had been a landmark initiative for rural employment and inclusive growth since its introduction by the Congress-led UPA government under former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, with the guidance of senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.
CM Sukhu emphasized that MNREGA was originally designed to empower grassroots institutions, with projects planned and executed based on resolutions passed by Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas. This decentralized approach, he said, ensured that development works reflected local needs and priorities. However, under the new mechanism, planning authority has been centralized, Panchayats have been sidelined, and funds will be directly allocated by the Centre for projects in selected areas.
Terming the move anti-people, the Chief Minister announced that the Congress would intensify its opposition by launching protests at district and block levels across Himachal Pradesh to raise public awareness against what he called an erosion of rural rights.
Highlighting the financial implications for the State, CM Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh would be among the worst affected. Earlier, the Central Government bore the full wage liability under MNREGA, while the State provided an additional incentive of ₹80 per day to workers. Under the revised arrangement, the Centre will fund only 90 percent of wages, shifting the remaining burden to the State exchequer.
He also expressed concern over the discontinuation of salaries for officers and employees posted in Zila Parishads under MNREGA, warning that this would adversely affect the effective implementation and monitoring of rural development works.
Responding to queries on another issue, the Chief Minister reiterated the State Government’s strong opposition to the Centre’s decision to reduce import duty on apples. He cautioned that the move could severely impact apple growers in Himachal Pradesh and assured that the State would take up the matter forcefully with the Central Government to safeguard the interests of orchardists.
