Telangana Assembly passes resolution against replacement of MGNREGA
Hyderabad (PTI): Amid opposition from the BJP members, the Telangana Legislative Assembly on Friday passed a resolution opposing the Centre's move to replace the MGNREGA with VB G RAM G Act and demanded that the former legislation be continued.
Moving the resolution, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said the new law adversely affects the rights of the poor and women workers, and also undermines the federal spirit by causing additional financial burden on states.
He also demanded that the funding pattern under MGNREGA be continued.
The spirit of Mahatma Gandhi is weakened by removing his name in the title of the new legislation, he alleged.
Claiming that the provision to pause for 60-day during agricultural season would cause injustice to landless poor, he said the employment should be available throughout the year.
While 266 types of work can be taken up under MGNREGA, the new law removes certain works like development of lands which hurts small and marginal farmers, Dalits and tribals, he pointed out and sought the continuation of existing list of works.
Alleging that the VB G RAM G Act is anti-women as it reduces number of work days, the CM said poor women suffer because of this.
"By taking all these issues into consideration and keeping in view the objectives and aims of MGNREGA, this House resolves that the NREGA law be continued as it is to fulfil the aspirations of workers' families," the resolution said.
Revanth Reddy noted that 90 per cent of those who benefited in Telangana by MGNREGA, enacted during the UPA regime, were SCs, STs and BCs and that 62 per cent of them were women.
BJP legislators expressed their opposition to the resolution by voting against it when Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar sought members' response to the resolution, party MLA Palvai Harish Babu told PTI.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, state Panchayat Raj Minister D Anasuya Seethakka and the ruling Congress members defended MGNREGA and found fault with its replacement by the new law.
BJP floor leader A Maheshwar Reddy countered the state government's claims, saying the new law helps in realising Mahatma Gandhi's vision of 'Gram Swaraj' (village self rule).
VB G RAM G helps farmers as it pauses works during agricultural season to address shortage of workers, he said.
Meanwhile, certain comments CPI MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, who attacked BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggered a furore as BJP members objected to his remarks.
Speaker Prasad Kumar assured that he would look into the issue and expunge any objectionable remarks from records.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
