The Opposition and the Government on Thursday had a face off over MGNREGA wages even leading to a brief adjournment of the lok Sabha. The Opposition demanded for early release of MGNREGA funds to States while the Government asserted these were being given on time.
While the Opposition raised slogans “MGNREGA ka paisa do..paisa do..” and trooped in the Well of the House, Rural Development Minister Birender Singh maintained that Rs12000 crore had already been released to the States.
Singh said that payment of unemployment allowance in cases where the applicant did not get a job under the MGNREGS was the responsibility of the respective State Governments. Singh said in some States wages are high under the scheme. However, the Centre does not allow paying wages under MGNREGA that are less than the minimum stipulated amount, he said.
Not satisfied with Minister’s reply, more than 15 Opposition members, including those from the Congress, RJD, SP and left parties, rushed to the Well raising slogans seeking early release of funds. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have written to the Centre about inadequate availability of funds for the scheme. He wondered “who is telling the truth, the States or the Centre.”
The Minister said enough funds have been allocated for the scheme and additional money would be given. “If you are not satisfied with the (Minister’s) reply, there are other ways (to raise the matter),” Speaker Sumitra Mahajan told the agitating members. As the Opposition members were dissatisfied with the Minister’s reply and continued their protests, the proceedings were adjourned for ten minutes.
When the House resumed proceedings, bedlam continued with the Opposition demanding release of Central funds for the “farmers and the poor” on time. Intervening during the pandemonium, SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav said MGNREGA funds should be linked to the MPlAD scheme with conditions as it would ensure timely release of money to the States.
Meanwhile, Power Minister Piyush Goyal, who was responding to questions (during Question Hour)on power wondered why the Congress MPs were making a show as their leader (Rahul Gandhi) has Already left the House.