VB G RAM G Bill harmful for states like J&K, says Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
Omar Abdullah questions renaming of MGNREGA, likens new title to Bollywood gimmick
- Will praise Centre when right and oppose it when wrong, says J&K CM on MGNREGA changes
Srinagar, 20th Dec: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday raised strong objections to the amended MGNREGA legislation, stating that the revised framework places an unfair financial and administrative burden on states and could prove harmful, particularly for regions like Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said the Centre’s approach weakens the spirit of cooperative federalism by shifting responsibility without providing adequate support.
Referring to the renaming of the scheme as the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin Bill, popularly termed the VB G RAM G Bill, the Chief Minister questioned both the intent and presentation of the new title. In a lighter yet pointed remark, he said the name appeared poorly thought out and compared it to an old Bollywood film, suggesting that such abbreviations trivialise serious welfare legislation. He remarked that laws impacting millions should be named with clarity and dignity, rather than being reduced to confusing acronyms.
Abdullah was particularly critical of the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the flagship rural employment scheme. He said erasing the name of the father of the nation from a programme that symbolised social justice and employment security was deeply inappropriate. According to him, the change reflected a disregard for the historical and moral foundations on which the scheme was built.
The Chief Minister further argued that beyond the symbolic change, the amended bill introduces several provisions that disadvantage states. By placing greater financial responsibility on state governments, he said the Centre risks undermining the effectiveness of the employment guarantee programme, especially in economically and geographically challenging regions. He asserted that such changes would not benefit states like Jammu and Kashmir and could weaken rural livelihoods rather than strengthen them.
Responding to criticism from political opponents that he praises the BJP leadership while in Delhi, Abdullah clarified that his stance has always been consistent. He said he acknowledges the Centre whenever it takes constructive steps but does not hesitate to point out shortcomings where they exist. He maintained that honest politics requires speaking the truth, regardless of location or audience.
Abdullah said he has repeatedly raised concerns about issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir both in Srinagar and in Delhi, including in the legislative assembly and public forums. He added that while the Centre has addressed several matters effectively, it has failed to offer any meaningful progress on the long standing demand for restoration of statehood, leaving room only for continued grievance.
Emphasising transparency in public life, the Chief Minister said it would be wrong to suppress criticism simply to avoid discomfort. He reiterated that constructive criticism strengthens democracy and governance, and his approach remains to support good policy while firmly opposing measures that harm public interest or federal balance.
