Jaipur, Sep 1 (PTI) Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday accused the Centre and the state government of worsening the problems of villagers by replacing the earlier employment guarantee framework under MGNREGA and urged authorities to immediately prepare for drought-relief works.
Addressing a public rally of the Congress’ Jan Aakrosh Yatra in Pratapgarh, Gehlot alleged that inflation and unemployment had added to the difficulties being faced by people across the state and the country.
He said the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), brought in during the previous Congress-led government, had provided rural residents a legal right to demand 100 days of employment.
“MGNREGA was an employment guarantee. There was no need to seek charity,” Gehlot said, alleging that the scheme had now been discontinued.
He claimed that drought-like conditions had emerged in 22 districts of Rajasthan and warned that the situation could worsen if timely measures were not taken.
Gehlot said drought would create problems related to fodder for cattle, drinking water for people and animals, and employment for rural residents.
“Had MGNREGA been there, even if drought occurred, there would not have been so much difficulty because people could get work under it,” he said.
Referring to the new rural employment scheme, Gehlot criticised the change and said, “Why are you bringing the name of Lord Ram into this? Why are you defaming the name of Ram?” He also claimed that under the new arrangement, the state’s financial contribution would rise to 40 per cent from the earlier 10 per cent, which, he alleged, would increase the burden on Rajasthan.
Gehlot urged the state government to immediately start preparations for opening drought-relief works and make arrangements for drinking water and cattle fodder.
“We are in the Opposition and can only put pressure on the government. We are putting pressure on it,” he said, alleging that there was no concern or effective governance in the state.
The former chief minister expressed concern that if drought-relief works were not opened on time and fodder arrangements were not made, a large number of cattle could die.
He said the Congress would continue to raise the issue and press the government to take timely measures to address the situation. PTI AG MDO MDO
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