INDIA bloc to stage protest in Puducherry on Dec. 24 against Centre’s VB-G RAM G

The Opposition INDIA bloc has decided to hold demonstrations at five locations in Puducherry against the Union government’s move to replace the 20-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new legislation, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), on December 24. 

Briefing reporters after a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders, CPI secretary A.M. Saleem said the Centre has spoiled the very purpose of bringing in the MGNREGA by the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. The new legislation has increased the financial liability of State governments and dismantled the demand-driven structure of the original legislation. The new law has taken away poor people’s legal right to employment in the country, he said. 

“The MGNREGA was a historic legislation, and the Act remained a solace to the rural poor during times of economic distress. The Centre has done injustice to the rural population by enacting the new legislation. The new Act will put additional strain on the financial resources of States,“ the CPI leader said. 

The INDIA bloc meeting at the CPI office was attended by leaders belonging to the DMK, Left parties, and VCK.

On the absence of Congress leaders at INDIA bloc meeting, Mr. Saleem said they were “preoccupied” with other programmes. However, PCC chief V. Vaithilingam has assured Congress participation in the protest planned on December 24. The demonstrations will be staged at Villianur, Bahour, Nettapakkam, and Thirukkanur in Puducherry region, and at Karaikal, he said.