Democracy under attack, govt misusing central agencies says Cong leader from Haryana
Sirsa (PTI): Senior Congress leader from Haryana and Member of Parliament Kumari Selja on Sunday alleged that democracy was under attack across the country, accusing the BJP-led Centre of misusing central agencies, particularly in states where it is not in power.
After meeting Congress workers and hearing public grievances in the Dabwali area of Sirsa district, Selja told the media that the use of central agencies increases whenever elections approach.
She cited West Bengal as an example and alleged that attempts were being made to influence the democratic process ahead of elections.
Selja also accused the BJP government of weakening the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and taking away the rights of the poor.
She said the Congress government had enacted MGNREGA during the UPA regime to provide 100 days of guaranteed employment to rural households, with the Centre bearing the full financial responsibility.
She alleged that the present government had diluted the scheme by curtailing the powers of panchayats and states and by shifting a 40 per cent financial burden onto states, making it less effective when rural employment opportunities are limited.
Selja said the Congress has always stood with the poor and marginalised sections and will continue to fight to protect their rights.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
SC slams freebies culture, says states should open avenues for employment
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the freebies culture, saying it was high time to revisit such policies that hamper the country's economic development.
Taking note of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd's plea, which proposed to provide free electricity to all irrespective of financial status of consumers, the top court said it was quite understandable if states hand-hold the poor.
“Most of the states in the country are revenue deficit states and yet they are offering such freebies” overlooking development, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said.
ALSO READ: SC grants bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt in cheating case
The bench said economic development of the nation gets hampered with this kind of largesse distribution and states should work to open avenues for employment instead of giving free food, cycles, electricity to all.
The top court, however, issued notice to Centre and others on the plea of the DMK government-led power distribution firm which proposes to provide free electricity.
The power firm has challenged a rule of the Electricity Amendment Rules, 2024.
“What kind of culture are we developing in India? It is understandable that as part of the welfare measure you want to provide to those who are incapable of pay the electricity charges,” the bench asked.
“But without drawing a distinction between those who can afford and those who cannot, you start distributing. Will it not amount to an appeasing policy,” the CJI asked.
The bench asked as to why the Tamil Nadu firm suddenly decided to loosen the purse strings after the electricity tariff was notified.
“The states should work to open avenues for employment. If you start giving free food from morning to evening then free cycle, then free electricity then who will work and then what will happen to the work culture,” the CJI said.
The bench said states, instead of spending on development projects, do two jobs - paying salaries and distributing such largesse.
