Jayant Chaudhary Says Mahatma Gandhi’s Name Can Return to MGNREGA as Policies Evolve in a Democracy

Speaking on the issue, Chaudhary emphasized that no policy decision in a democracy is etched in stone. He noted that democratic governance is defined by flexibility and responsiveness, adding that government programmes can be reshaped in line with the will and emotions of the people. According to him, if public opinion demands it, changes can always be revisited.

Chaudhary explained that recent adjustments to the scheme were made after MGNREGA was no longer aligned with the agricultural season framework. He said farmers had raised repeated concerns about the unavailability of labour during crucial farming periods, which affected agricultural operations. The restructuring, he stated, was aimed at making the programme more practical and better suited to farmers’ real needs.

Highlighting the broader democratic principle, Chaudhary said that policies and welfare schemes must undergo periodic review to ensure they remain effective and beneficial for those they are intended to serve. He argued that timely reforms are essential so that farmers and rural communities receive maximum support rather than facing unintended disruptions.

The remarks come amid ongoing political debate over the symbolic and functional aspects of India’s flagship rural employment scheme. Chaudhary’s comments underline the continuing tension between policy reform and public perception, reinforcing the idea that democratic governance allows room for reassessment to balance administrative efficiency with public sentiment.