Health Minister U.T. Khader condemned the reported statement of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy seeking withdrawal of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) if the BJP comes to power.
Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, Mr. Khader said the MNREGA has brought in much needed confidence among rural masses, who had been struggling to get proper wages. “There might be some deficiencies in the implementation. But it cannot be a reason for its scrapping,” Mr. Khader said. Getting proper wages has been a right granted under the Act and it cannot be withdrawn. “I am surprised with statement of Mr. Swamy.” The Bharatiya Janata Party should make its stand clear about the Act.
When pointed out at the reported effect of MNREGA on paddy cultivation as wages of labourers was ill-affordable in Dakshina Kannada, Mr. Khader said the MNREGA had worked wonders in areas such as Gulbarga, Bidar, Koppal and Jamkhandi.
Mr. Khader dismissed reports that a section of young Congress activists brandished swords when they had come to meet the Ullal Block Congress president on Monday. Mr. Khader said like in any other party these young party workers were in disagreement with the Block Congress President. “The same was resolved in 30 minutes and the young activists apologised for their conduct. There is no question of brandishing swords during the meeting,” he said.
Asked whether he agreed with the stance of B. Janardhana Poojary to oppose the Yettinahole Project, Mr. Khader said, “Mr. Poojary is a senior politician. He has strength and thinks in a broader sense. We respect him and ensure he gets elected.”
On the move of some of environmentalists calling voters to exercise NOTA (none of the above) as a mark of protest against the Yettinahole Project, Mr. Khader said, “At least this will make them come out of the house and exercise the right.”
