Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has strongly opposed the Central Government's proposed alternative scheme to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He said the move will severely hit the state and adversely affect lakhs of workers.
Speaking at a public gathering in Neri Kalan in the Kasauli assembly constituency of Solan district, Sukhu made his concerns clear. According to The Tribune, the Chief Minister said the proposed alternative was not in the interest of Himachal Pradesh and could cause hardship to many people.
Central Government's Proposed Scheme Faces Opposition
The Chief Minister pointed out that the Central Government has already stopped regular recruitment under the armed forces. He also said the MGNREGA scheme has been changed, creating difficulties for many people. The proposed alternative scheme, which is set to replace MGNREGA, has now become a major point of contention.
Sukhu argued that the move would directly impact the livelihoods of lakhs of workers who depend on the rural employment guarantee scheme. He did not provide specific details about the alternative scheme but made it clear that the state government sees it as a threat to workers' welfare.
Revenue Deficit Grant Cut Adds to State's Problems
The Chief Minister also raised the issue of the annual revenue deficit grant (RDG) that the state receives from the Central Government. He said that if Himachal Pradesh's annual RDG of Rs 10,000 crore had not been curtailed, the state would have become self-reliant by this year itself.
According to The Tribune, Sukhu linked the reduction in the RDG to the state's ongoing fiscal challenges. The combination of a reduced grant and the proposed changes to MGNREGA has put additional pressure on the state's finances and its ability to support workers.
Development Projects Announced in Solan District
During the same public gathering, the Chief Minister made several development announcements. He announced Rs 20 crore for the construction of the Johadji–Malla road. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 12 development projects worth Rs 90.66 crore.
These announcements were part of his address to the people of the Kasauli assembly constituency. However, the main focus of his speech remained the Central Government's proposed changes to the rural employment scheme and the impact on the state's workers.
Our Take: A Direct Challenge to Workers' Welfare
The Himachal Chief Minister's strong opposition to the alternative MGNREGA scheme is significant. In our view, this is not just a political statement — it reflects a genuine concern for the lakhs of workers who rely on the scheme for their basic livelihood. MGNREGA has been a critical safety net for rural households, especially in hilly states like Himachal where alternative employment opportunities are limited.
The fact that the Chief Minister linked this issue to the reduction in the revenue deficit grant shows that the state is facing a double blow — less central funding and a weaker employment scheme. To put it plainly, if the alternative scheme does not provide the same level of employment guarantee and wages, it will push many families into hardship.
What is also notable is that Sukhu did not just criticize — he also announced development projects worth over Rs 90 crore. This suggests that the state government is trying to create its own infrastructure and employment opportunities, even as it fights against what it sees as unfavorable central policies. Readers should watch closely for more details on the alternative scheme, as it will directly affect millions of rural workers across India.
