Overview Senior Congress leaders have strongly criticized the BJP-led Union government, accusing it of systematically weakening the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) . They allege this is an attempt to erase the legacy of national leaders from public policy. The criticism was voiced during a media conference on the Congress party’s Foundation Day. Key Developments Congress Party's Stance Foundation Day: The criticism was made on the occasion of the Congress party's Foundation Day. Leaders Present: Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar , Vivek Venkat Swamy , and Azharuddin addressed the media. Historical Context: Ponnam Prabhakar recalled the Congress party’s role in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building. Allegations Against the Central Government MGNREGS Dilution: The central government is accused of weakening MGNREGS . Funding Pattern: Allegations include imposing a 60:40 funding pattern on States, shifting the financial burden. Unfulfilled Promise: The Centre allegedly reneged on its 2014 promise to expand the scheme to urban areas. Name Removal: Accusations include attempting to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme. Reactions and Calls to Action Protests: Calls for protests in every village with portraits of Mahatma Gandhi . Gram Sabha Resolutions: Urging people to pass resolutions in Gram Sabhas opposing the move. Other Criticisms Telangana Funds: Vivek Venkat Swamy accused the Centre of withholding funds from Telangana . FRBM Limits: Allegations of refusing to relax FRBM limits for the state. BJP's Discomfort: Azharuddin alleged that the BJP is uncomfortable with Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS2 (Government Policies & Welfare Schemes) and GS3 (Economy) . It highlights the political debate surrounding a major rural employment scheme and touches upon Centre-State financial relations. Key Concepts for UPSC MGNREGS: Understanding the objectives, implementation, and impact of the scheme. Centre-State Relations: Analyzing the financial dynamics and policy disagreements between the Union and States. FRBM Act: Understanding the implications of fiscal responsibility on state finances. Potential UPSC Questions Analyze the impact of changes in MGNREGS funding patterns on rural employment. Evaluate the role of MGNREGS in poverty alleviation and rural development. Discuss the challenges in effective implementation of MGNREGS.