Cong to launch 45-day MGNREGA campaign
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 9: Asserting that closing Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Katra is a wrong decision, AICC general secretary Incharge J&K affairs of the party, Dr Sayeed Naseer Hussain (MP) has said that Central Government should have rectified the mistake committed initially with regard to the minority status of the Institute.
Addressing a press conference at party office here today, the AICC leader termed the cancellation of permission to SMVDIME as `wrong decision’ against the overall interests of the youth of this region.
“Central Government should have examined the issue in the broader prospects and interests of the people from the region and rectified the original mistake committed by them by not granting minority status to respect religious sentiments, rights and merit to produce more doctors,” Dr Naseer said.
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The Congress leader questioned the fate of around 300 employees engaged in this Medical College. “The decision is against the interests of the youth of this region and others connected with this College. It was perhaps taken in haste, without applying proper mind,” AICC leader asserted.
Dr Naseer further criticized the failure of the Central Govt to rehabilitate the thousands of flood affected people of J&K, especially from Jammu region, who suffered massive loss in floods, rains and landslides about eight months ago. Only routine infrastructure and other losses are being covered which is quite inadequate and the poor people, farmers are still suffering with no relief and rehabilitation to them, he added.
AICC general secretary further said the new VB-G RAM-G Act, replacing the fundamental feature of legal guarantee to work under MGNREGA and aimed at weakening Gram Sabhas and Panchayats by snatching decision making from them, burdening states with 40% sharing of funds, bound to fail the rural job scheme, which provide 5 to 6 crore jobs to rural poor annually.
He lashed out at Modi Govt for the move to replace this biggest Rural employment scheme which provided legal guarantee for jobs to every rural household on demand within 15 days, failing which employment allowance was payable under Act. He said the new VB-GRAM-G Scheme removes the fundamental features like legal guarantee to work besides centralized decision making with Centre Govt, weaken Gram Sabha and Panchayat, diluting wage safeguards, thus would lead to reduced employment, suppressed wages and increase rural stress.
Dr Naseer said that Congress has devised a 45-day long MGNREGA Bachao Sangram in the country to defend the right to work and restore MGNREGA in its original farm. He announced that from one day’s fast in all districts on January 12, Panchayat level outreach in different parts in Districts from Jan 12 to Jan 29, followed by peaceful sit-in at Blocks and Wards on Martyrs day ( January 30) will be held from Jan 31 to Feb 6. MGNREGA Bachao Dharnas shall be held, then state level Assembly Gheraos from Feb 7 to Feb 15, shall be held.
He said the Congress shall also raise this issue in the coming Parliamentary Session. He also referred to the ongoing struggle for statehood by J&K Congress, `Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq’ and said that it shall also be held simultaneously.
JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra, AICC secretary Divya Maderna, working president Raman Bhalla, chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, former minister Mula Ram, DCC presidents Jammu Urban- Yogesh Sawhney and Jammu Rural- Neeraj Kundan also accompanied Dr Hussain during conference.
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