West Bengal Renames Job Scheme Amid Controversy Over Employment Legislation

The West Bengal government has officially renamed its rural job guarantee scheme from Karmashree to 'Mahatma Shree' amid a contentious dispute with the Union government over new employment legislation. This change reflects the state's commitment to honoring Mahatma Gandhi's legacy, especially as the Union government seeks to replace MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat Bill. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced her concerns about the removal of Gandhi's name from national schemes, asserting that the state will continue to provide employment despite funding challenges from the Centre. The political implications of this renaming and the ongoing legislative changes are significant, highlighting the tensions between state and central governance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 21, 2025, 17:38 IST

Renaming of the Rural Job Scheme

On Friday, the West Bengal government officially changed the name of its rural job guarantee initiative, Karmashree, to 'Mahatma Shree'. This decision comes in the wake of a conflict with the Union government, which has proposed to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with new legislation.

This week, the Union government introduced the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, aimed at substituting MGNREGA.

Background of MGNREGA

MGNREGA, launched in 2005 by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance, ensures 100 days of unskilled work annually for rural households, enhancing their livelihood security. While the central government covers wage costs, states are responsible for material and administrative expenses.

The new bill suggests increasing the guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125 and raising the states' financial contribution to 40%.

Legislative Developments

Despite opposition protests, the legislation was passed by both Houses of Parliament on Thursday, just before the Winter Session concluded.

West Bengal's Karmashree scheme, initiated in 2024, aims to provide at least 50 days of employment per financial year to job card-holding households through various state department projects. Funded entirely by the state, it has generated 101.5 crore person-days of work for over 90 lakh job card holders.

Chief Minister's Response

On the same day the VB-G RAM G bill was approved, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the renaming of the state scheme, expressing her 'deep shame' over the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from MGNREGA.

Banerjee questioned, 'Are we now forgetting even the Father of the Nation?' and emphasized the need for respect towards Gandhi's legacy.

Political Reactions

Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose stated that the Banerjee-led government would ensure that Gandhi's legacy remains honored. She accused the Modi government of attempting to erase Gandhi's memory, suggesting that the Sangh Parivar favored Nathuram Godse over Gandhi.

Banerjee noted that West Bengal initiated the rural job guarantee scheme when the Centre halted MGNREGA funds to the state, asserting, 'Even if central funds are stopped, we will ensure people get work.'

Funding Issues

In March 2022, the Union government suspended MGNREGA funding to West Bengal, citing alleged irregularities in the scheme's implementation. The state received Rs 7,507 crore in the financial year 2021-’22 but has not received any funds in the subsequent three years.

On December 5, the Union government informed Parliament that it was in the process of revising the necessary procedures to resume the scheme under the Act in West Bengal.