Oppn mounts attack on govt over G-Ram-G bill, says rights will be diluted

MOUNTING a sharp attack on the proposed legislation to replace MGNREGA, the Opposition parties on Wednesday accused the government of weakening the rights-based welfare scheme and for attempting to erase Mahatma Gandhi's legacy.

- PREETHA NAIR @ New Delhi

Initiating the debate on 'Vik-sit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB-G RAM G), Congress MP from Haryana, Jai Prakash, said the proposed law will create fresh financial liabilities for the states and deprive grassroots-level bodies such as the gram sabhas of their rights to decide on the work to be undertaken under the draft law.

Opposing the bill, Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh said that the provisions of the new bill are a blow to states like Kerala, which is already under financial strain due to Centre's anti-state policies.