Fadnavis backs 125-day MGNREGA rename; Congress under fire

Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis slammed the Congress for questioning the renaming of MGNREGA and said the move would bring tangible benefits to rural areas. The Union Cabinet approved a Bill renaming MGNREGA as 'Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna' and increasing guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125. The government frames the change as part of a push to strengthen rural jobs and infra, with projects aligned to the Viksit Bharat National Infra Stack and a focus on water security.

Fadnavis, speaking during an event in Nagpur, asserted there is no need to pay attention to opposition lines and that the Modi government has brought a positive change that will boost rural development and employment generation in a big way. He also said there is healthy discussion in this year's winter session, and many bills have been approved so far.

The opposition, led by Congress, has criticized the renaming plan. It has pointed to what it calls 27 lakh MGNREGS deletions, arguing the move could deny rural poor access to work. Priyanka Gandhi has also warned that renaming would entail additional spending—from offices to stationery—without clear benefits.

Supporters say the renaming signals a renewed commitment to rural livelihoods, with the government describing the changes as a necessary step to improve efficiency and ensure funds reach the intended beneficiaries. Critics remain wary about cost implications and the real impact on ground-level employment. The government maintains that projects will prioritize rural development and water security, in line with broader national infrastructure goals.

The winter session of the Maharashtra legislature is underway in Nagpur, with the government emphasizing discussions and legislative momentum as it pushes the renamed policy forward.

Cover image source: Government likely to rename MGNREGS to ‘Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana’ 🔗

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