Hoshiarpur:- District Planning Committee Chairperson Karamjit Kaur expressed strong objection to the proposed changes in the MGNREGA scheme and said that this is not just a name change, but a deliberate attempt to limit the rights of the poor. She clearly said that the Central Government earlier provided 90 percent funding for MGNREGA, now it has been reduced to 60:40, due to which additional financial burden is being put on the states.
Karamjit Kaur said that the Central Government has stopped the RDF and GST funds of the states. Apart from this, restrictions are being imposed on the works being done, under which the Central Government decides which projects will be started. She said that essential development projects like pipelines, markets and construction in villages can no longer be done under MGNREGA, which is completely against the rural needs.
He questioned that when the village ponds can be cleaned only once in five years, how will 125 days of employment be fulfilled. This is tantamount to snatching bread from the mouths of the poor and it will be strongly opposed. He said that this issue will be raised in every forum and session.
Chairperson Karamjit Kaur said that this issue is not limited to Punjab alone, but is related to the interests of 68 crore MGNREGA card holders across the country. On one hand, there is talk of becoming the savior of the poor, while on the other hand, restrictions are being imposed on both work and money.
Karamjit Kaur said that the Punjab government has increased its contribution by 10 percent and now 40 percent, yet the control of the work has been handed over to the central government.