G Ram G

The BJP-led NDA government's proposed change in the nomenclature of the Centre's flagship social welfare scheme for the poor, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) launched by the previous UPA government in 2005, seemingly is a rank, deplorable dishonour to the father of the nation.

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It would be no exaggeration to say that Gandhi has been made a scapegoat since long. The UPA may have named a scheme or two in his name but they too never aspired to follow the path shown by him. The BJP, of course, being a product of the political doctrine of the RSS is implementing its age old policies. The name of Gandhi being replaced by the central government is official this time around by way of a piece of legislation by the Union government. That may not be considered as important by many as the government's proposals for major changes in the MGNREGA scheme's funding pattern. The proposed name is Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission, or VBG RAM G. The acronym has the name of Lord Ram. That too is very acceptable to many across North India or the Cow belt. Jettisoning Gandhi lock, stock and barrel from the highly laudable and popular scheme for the country's poverty-stricken can only be a cosmetic change. The win in Bihar seems to have emboldened the BJP that it has drastically changed the funding pattern of this long running sch