West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that the state government will rename its Karmashree employment scheme after Mahatma Gandhi. The decision follows the recent approval by Parliament to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a move that removed Gandhi’s name from the central rural employment programme. Banerjee expressed disappointment over the development and said the state would continue to uphold the legacy of the Father of the Nation.
Speaking at a public event, the Chief Minister said she felt ashamed that Mahatma Gandhi’s name had been removed from a scheme that was closely associated with his vision of rural self-reliance and dignity of labour. She stated that West Bengal would ensure Gandhi’s ideals remain central to its welfare initiatives by renaming the Karmashree scheme in his honour.
The Karmashree programme is a state-run employment scheme aimed at providing livelihood support to rural households. According to the state government, the scheme offers more than 75 days of guaranteed work each year, exceeding the minimum employment days offered under national programmes. The scheme focuses on infrastructure development, community assets, and rural economic activity, helping families generate stable income opportunities.
Banerjee emphasized that the decision to rename the scheme was not merely symbolic but reflected the state’s commitment to Gandhian principles. She said Mahatma Gandhi stood for inclusiveness, empowerment of the poor, and rural development, values that remain relevant in today’s governance. The Chief Minister added that removing his name from major welfare programmes sends the wrong message and undermines historical and moral responsibility.
During her address, Banerjee also spoke about West Bengal’s economic potential, highlighting the state’s position as a gateway for business and trade in eastern India. She pointed to the steady growth of the information technology sector and increasing investment interest in the state. According to her, employment schemes like Karmashree complement economic growth by ensuring income security for rural communities.
Political analysts view the announcement as both a policy decision and a political statement amid ongoing debates over the renaming of national welfare schemes. While the central government maintains that the revised programme retains its core objectives, opposition leaders argue that removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name weakens the historical identity of rural employment initiatives.
The renaming of the Karmashree scheme is expected to be formally implemented through a state notification. Officials say the structure and benefits of the programme will remain unchanged, with continued focus on employment generation and rural development.
As discussions around welfare schemes and their identity continue nationwide, West Bengal’s move signals the state government’s intent to preserve historical legacy while strengthening employment support for rural households. The decision is likely to keep the debate alive on the role of symbolism, governance, and social welfare in public policy.
