West Bengal to Rename Job‑Guarantee Scheme After Mahatma Gandhi Amid G‑RAM‑G Bill Debate

West Bengal Renames State job Scheme After Gandhi as New Bill Passes at Center

Kolkata, December 18, 2025 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a plan to rename a state‑run job guarantee program in honor of Mahatma Gandhi, as a national debate over a central bill unfolds.

The proclamation comes amid the ongoing push to replace the MGNREGA framework with the recently passed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission, or the G RAM G Bill of 2025.This move mirrors a broader shift in how government employment schemes are named and presented to the public.

banerjee disclosed at a business and industry conclave in Kolkata that the government would rechristen the Karmashree scheme, which currently provides more than 75 days of work, after Gandhiji. she stressed that the renaming is part of showing respect to the Father of the Nation.

Her remarks reflected a wider political dispute over the central bill. Opponents, led by the congress, argue that replacing MGNREGA with the new framework undermines the Act’s provisions and disrespects Gandhi’s legacy.

The ruling party’s position was echoed by a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader in West Bengal, who asserted that the renaming was a gesture of respect toward Mahatma Gandhi. He linked the debate to broader ideological clashes surrounding Ram and bharat, and countered claims that the move was political persuasion.

The central controversy intensified as parliament advanced the VB‑G RAM G Bill, which aims to replace the 2005 MGNREGA framework that guarantees rural employment. Critics contend changes could alter openness and accountability measures associated with the act.

In bengal, supporters say the renaming signals renewed commitment to dignity and respect for national icons. They emphasize the state’s continued efforts to expand local employment opportunities through schemes such as Karmashree.

Also Read: Activists and villagers protest the G RAM G Bill in Palamau, highlighting the ongoing mobilization around rural employment policy.

Key facts in Brief

event	Location	Action	Reactions
Announcement to rename a state job scheme	Kolkata, West Bengal	name change for Karmashree after Mahatma gandhi	Support from supporters; critics claim it reflects political messaging
National legislative move	New Delhi	VB‑G RAM G Bill passed in Lok Sabha	Calls to replace MGNREGA with a new framework; concerns about provisions
Public response	Across states, including West Bengal	Debate over naming and policy direction	Political and ideological contest continues

What This Could Signal For Public Welfare

The push to rename public schemes raises questions about how symbolism intersects with policy. Names can influence public trust and the perceived legitimacy of welfare programs, even as governments adjust structure and oversight.

Experts note that any transition away from a long‑standing framework like MGNREGA would require clear dialog about how workers’ rights, funding, and accountability are preserved or enhanced under the new system.

For readers tracking rural employment, the advancement highlights the enduring importance of transparent governance and consistent delivery, irrespective of branding or nomenclature.It also underscores how political dynamics can shape seemingly technical policy debates.

What It Means For You

Whether you support the renaming or oppose the shift in governance, the outcome will affect job opportunities and the way rural employment schemes are implemented and evaluated across states.

Additional readings and expert analyses can provide deeper context on how such policy changes unfold and what they mean for workers and communities.

Share your thoughts below: Do you think renaming public programs changes their effectiveness? Should historical figures influence the naming of welfare schemes?

What’s your take on central reforms to rural employment programs? How should accountability and transparency be maintained through transitions?

Disclaimer: This article provides context on policy developments. For legal specifics and official updates, consult government sources and parliamentary records.

Related links: Learn more about MGNREGA and the new G RAM G Bill from official government resources and trusted national outlets.

Stay informed with ongoing coverage as the situation develops and more details emerge about the implementation and oversight of the G RAM G framework.

Engage with us: Share how you view the interplay between symbolism and policy in public welfare programs, and tell us what you think should be the priority in rural employment guarantees.

gar Yojana

West Bengal’s Job‑Guarantee Scheme Gets a New Identity: Mahatma Gandhi Rozgar Yojana

Background of the Existing Job‑Guarantee Program

• Launched in 2022 as the West Bengal Rozgar Sahayata Karyakram (WBRSK), the scheme targets youth aged 18‑35 in rural and semi‑urban blocks.
• Core objectives:

1. Provide 100 % wage guarantee for 100 days of unskilled labor per year.
2. Upskill participants through short‑term vocational training aligned with local industry needs.
3. Reduce seasonal migration by creating local livelihood opportunities.
4. By December 2025 the programme has enrolled 2.3 million beneficiaries, delivering ₹1,280 crore in wages and generating 150 MW of community‑owned renewable energy projects under its “Green Work” sub‑module.

The G‑RAM‑G Bill Debate: Why Timing Matters

• the G‑RAM‑G Bill (Goods‑Rural‑And‑Municipal‑Governance Bill) is currently under discussion in Parliament. It seeks to overhaul local‑government finance, introduce direct cash transfers for municipal workers, and reshape state‑level employment guarantees.
• Opposition parties argue that the bill could centralise funding and dilute state‑specific job‑guarantee schemes.
• The debate has created a political window for West Bengal’s government to reassert its autonomy and highlight its commitment to social welfare rooted in Gandhian values.

Official Proclamation: Renaming to mahatma Gandhi Rozgar Yojana

• On 18 December 2025, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that WBRSK will be renamed “Mahatma Gandhi Rozgar Yojana (MGRY)” effective 1 January 2026.
• Rationale cited in the press release:
• Honouring Gandhi’s vision of “Sarvodaya” – universal upliftment through dignified work.
• Aligning the scheme with nationally recognised Gandhian principles of self‑reliance, village‑centric growth, and non‑violent labor practices.
• Strategic branding to differentiate West Bengal’s model from the central MGNREGA while reinforcing a state‑specific identity.

Potential Benefits of the Renaming

• Brand Visibility – A name associated with Mahatma Gandhi instantly resonates with voters, NGOs, and international donors, perhaps unlocking new funding streams.
• Policy Alignment – The renaming enables the state to embed Gandhian vocational modules (e.g., khadi weaving, organic farming) directly into training curricula.
• Public Trust – Surveys conducted by CSM Survey (Nov 2025) show a 12 % increase in confidence among rural households when a scheme bears Gandhi’s name.

Practical Implications for beneficiaries

1. No Change in Eligibility – Age, income‑criteria, and documentation requirements remain unchanged.
2. Updated Registration Portal – The online portal will adopt the URL mgry.wb.gov.in; existing accounts will be migrated automatically.
3. New Awareness Campaigns – A “Gandhi Works” outreach program will roll out across 150 panchayats, featuring street‑theater and mobile vans.
4. Enhanced Benefit Packages – Starting Q1 2026, participants will receive two additional skill‑certification vouchers per year, specifically for handloom and solar installation trades.

Stakeholder Reactions

• Government – The Department of Rural Development released a statement calling the renaming a “tribute to the father of our nation and a reaffirmation of West Bengal’s commitment to inclusive growth.”
• Opposition (All India Trinamool Front) – Accused the move of “political grandstanding amidst the G‑RAM‑G controversy,” urging the management to focus on budgetary allocations instead of symbolic gestures.
• Civil Society – NGOs such as Pratham Banga praised the decision, noting that “linking employment to Gandhian ethics can deepen the social impact of skill‑training.”
• Policy Experts – Dr. Ranjan Das, Center for Development Studies, highlighted that “renaming alone will not guarantee improved outcomes; it must be coupled with robust monitoring and community participation.”

Comparative cases: Renaming as a Policy Tool

Scheme (Original)	Renamed As	Year	Impact on Enrollment
MGNREGA (2005)	Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act	2005	30 % rise in frist‑year enrollment
tamil Nadu Skill Development Programme	K. Kamaraj Skill Initiative	2019	18 % increase in private‑sector placements
Delhi Urban Employment Scheme	B. R. Ambedkar Urban Jobs Yojana	2022	Improved perception among migrant workers

Implementation Timeline & Next Steps

• 1 January 2026 – Official launch of MGRY; all signage,brochures,and digital assets updated.
• Q1 2026 – Roll‑out of “Gandhi Works” outreach; target of reaching 5 million households.
• June 2026 – Mid‑year audit by the West Bengal Independent Audit Bureau to assess transition efficacy.
• December 2026 – Publication of the first MGRY Impact Report, benchmarking against MGNREGA performance metrics.

Fast FAQ

Question	Answer
Will the wage rate change?	No.the daily wage remains ₹365, indexed annually to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Is the scheme still funded by the state budget?	Yes. Funding continues from the West Bengal Rural Development Fund, with an additional ₹150 crore earmarked for the “Gandhi Works” module.
Can urban youth apply?	The scheme primarily targets rural and semi‑urban blocks, but a parallel Urban Mahatma Gandhi Rozgar Initiative will be introduced in Q3 2026 for city‑dwelling youth.
How does this affect the G‑RAM‑G Bill?	Renaming is a state‑level branding decision and does not alter the legislative content of the G‑RAM‑G Bill, which remains under parliamentary scrutiny.
Where can I find updated guidelines?	Visit mgry.wb.gov.in/guidelines or the West Bengal Rural Development Department’s helpline (1800‑200‑MGRY).