Assembly validates G Ram G scheme after Congress walkout

Chandigarh: Amidst a symbolic walkout staged by Congress MLAs, the Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP govt on Thursday validated the Viksit Bharat G RAM G, the renewed version of the MGNREGA scheme, following a marathon discussion that ended with the passing of a resolution in its favour. All this happened during the concluding sitting of the 5th day of the Budget session on a resolution moved by Ram Kumar Kashyap, who proposed a complete discussion on the subject for the day. Congress MLAs, who were led by former ministers Geeta Bhukkal, Aftab Ahmed and B B Batra in the absence of Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Hooda, staged the walkout in protest, saying, "There was no need to bring this resolution for discussion when the subject was already passed in the Lok Sabha." However, Speaker Harvinder Kalyan allotted 1 hour for discussion on the subject, which concluded with chief minister Nayab Singh Saini's statement in the House. "Ram is India's soul, Ram is India's culture and values," the chief minister said. He also said the opposition opposed Ram's name from the beginning, and described G Ram Ji as a proposal of hope for the poor. The chief minister further alleged that leaders of the opposition had opposed Ram Setu as well. "Instead of discussing the issue in the House, the opposition went to people and spread confusion. The opposition tried to confuse people by spreading misleading propaganda on the issue," XM Saini said. "Agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Punjab, where workers raised concerns about several shortcomings in MNREGA. The workers said work was done, but they were not paid. Following this, a social audit was conducted and many shortcomings came to light," said Saini, adding that subsequently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed not only the scheme name but also the rules. Under the revised provisions, 125 days of work, instead of 100 was ensured, along with higher wages. Earlier, workers were only engaged in digging and filling pits," he said. Notably, other BJP ministers and MLAs, including Ranbir Gangwa, highlighted the drawbacks and criticism the old scheme invited in the past. Besides this, they categorically highlighted the shortcomings that forced the incumbent govt at the Centre to introduce this scheme. Single-use plastic a threat: SainiExpressing concern over the growing use of single-use plastic, Haryana CM Saini on Thursday called for urgent and collective efforts to reduce its usage, stressing that the issue poses serious environmental and health risks. Saini said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi consistently emphasised the need to eliminate single-use plastic across the country, highlighting it as a national priority. Terming the issue as extremely important, the chief minister urged all public representatives to take the lead in creating awareness among citizens about avoiding plastic use. He cautioned that the excessive use of plastic contributed to serious health concerns, including life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Appealing through the House, the CM urged all members to actively work towards this cause, underlining that meaningful change can only be achieved through united and sustained efforts. MSID: 128816989 413 |