Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: Senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) and Member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) today strongly criticized the BJP-led government at the Centre for its decision to change the name of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), terming it an act driven by “political vendetta rather than public interest.”
Addressing a public meeting , the senior Congress leader said that MGNREGA is not merely a scheme but a historic, rights-based legislation enacted by the UPA government to provide employment security and dignity to rural households. “Changing the name of MGNREGA reflects the BJP’s deep-rooted intolerance towards the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress party. This move will neither improve rural livelihoods nor address unemployment; instead, it exposes the BJP’s obsession with erasing the contributions of previous governments,” he remarked.
He further pointed out that in Jammu and Kashmir, MGNREGA has been a lifeline for lakhs of rural families, especially in far-flung and border areas, where employment opportunities are scarce. “Instead of strengthening the scheme by ensuring timely wage payments, increasing workdays, and enhancing allocations, the BJP government is busy in symbolic politics that offer no relief to the common people,” he said.
Highlighting other burning issues confronting the people of J&K UT, the senior Congress leader expressed grave concern over rising unemployment, inflation, and the deteriorating economic conditions. He said that educated youth in J&K are facing an uncertain future due to shrinking job opportunities, delayed recruitments, and lack of a clear employment policy. “The BJP’s tall claims of development stand exposed as unemployment and price rise continue to break the backbone of ordinary citizens,” he added.
He also criticized the government over the prolonged delay in restoration of full democratic rights in Jammu and Kashmir. “Even years after the downgrading of the erstwhile state, people are still waiting for the restoration of statehood and meaningful empowerment of elected representatives. Governance through bureaucratic control has alienated the masses and weakened grassroots democracy,” he asserted.
The Congress leader further raised issues related to rising electricity tariffs, frequent power cuts, poor road connectivity in rural and hilly areas, inadequate healthcare facilities, and the plight of daily wagers, casual labourers, and contractual employees. “From daily wagers to NHM and other scheme-based employees, thousands of workers are struggling for job security and fair wages, while the government remains indifferent,” he said.
Reiterating the Congress party’s commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the senior JKPCC leader and AICC Member said that the party will continue to raise the voice of the people at every platform—on the streets, in legislatures, and before the nation. He appealed to the BJP government to stop indulging in divisive and cosmetic measures and instead focus on resolving the real issues affecting the lives and livelihoods of the people of J&K UT.“The Congress party stands firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will not allow their genuine concerns to be ignored,” he concluded.DD