Overview The Union Cabinet has approved a Bill on December 12, 2025 , to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) . This decision has sparked political debate, with the Congress party questioning the need for the change and accusing the government of attempting to diminish Mahatma Gandhi's legacy. The proposed renaming coincides with plans to increase the number of work days provided under the scheme. Key Developments Renaming: The scheme is proposed to be renamed as 'Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna' . Increased Work Days: The number of guaranteed work days is expected to increase from 100 to 125 . Political Reactions: The Congress party has criticized the move, alleging it's an attempt to erase Mahatma Gandhi's influence, particularly in rural areas. Historical Context: MGNREGA was enacted in 2005 and is a flagship scheme aimed at enhancing livelihood security in rural India. Congress Party's Stance The Congress party has strongly opposed the renaming, with leaders like Jairam Ramesh and K.C. Venugopal expressing their concerns: Jairam Ramesh: Accused the government of being a "master" at renaming schemes and questioned the rationale behind changing the name of MGNREGA . K.C. Venugopal: Alleged that the renaming is an attempt to claim credit for the scheme and erase Mahatma Gandhi's legacy. He also highlighted the issue of pending wages for MGNREGA workers. MGNREGA: Background and Objectives The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) , is a significant social welfare program. Key aspects include: Enactment: Enacted in 2005 . Objective: To enhance livelihood security of households in rural areas. Provision: Guarantees at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam for the following reasons: GS Paper II: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. GS Paper III: Inclusive Growth and Issues arising from it. Understanding the objectives and impact of MGNREGA is crucial. Analyzing the political dimensions of renaming schemes is important for understanding governance. Potential Exam Questions Evaluate the effectiveness of MGNREGA in achieving its objectives of rural employment and poverty reduction. Discuss the significance of government schemes in promoting inclusive growth and addressing socio-economic disparities. Analyze the political considerations involved in renaming government initiatives and their potential impact on public perception.