The MGNREGA scheme was started with noble intent and devoid of political colour to ease the burning issue of large-scale unemployment in India (“ >Two chaiwallahs and a budget ,” July 10). The fact that those who are less privileged can now successfully participate in the nation’s economic growth is beyond doubt. Any move to dilute it does not augur well. In fact, the budget should make provision to strengthen the scheme, though it has been virtually glossed over in the budget speech. In these days of high inflation, let us spare a thought for those whose hopes are linked to MGNREGA; it is the poor workers who toil to help build our roads and skyscrapers across India.
Balasubramaniam Pavani,
Secunderabad
Had it not been for the 2005 Act, many of our rural poor would have been languishing. Any compromise in the matter of allocations or entitlements for the scheme will have serious implications as MGNREGA is the only way the poor can expect to earn a dignified means of livelihood without being subjected to exploitation or forced migration. The government should seek to remove the glitches in the implementation of the scheme and revamp it so as to achieve far-reaching economic growth.
Sarbani Mohapatra,
Kolkata
