Congress to Protest Against Replacement of MNREGA in India

NEW DELHI: The Indian National Congress has declared a nationwide protest in response to the government's decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) with the newly introduced Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill. This announcement follows a meeting of the Congress Working Committee, where party president Mallikarjun Kharge described the replacement as a disrespect to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation.

Kharge stated during a press briefing, "In the meeting, we took an oath. We decided to launch a massive movement across the country, making the MNREGA scheme the central point. The Indian National Congress, taking a leading role, will initiate the Save MNREGA Campaign from January 5th." He emphasised that MNREGA is not merely a scheme but a constitutional right to work. "We will protect the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act at all costs. We also pledge to democratically oppose every conspiracy to remove Gandhiji's name from MNREGA," he added.

The Congress leader expressed that public sentiment is against the repeal of MNREGA, stating, "People are angry over the repeal of MGNREGA and the government will have to face the consequences." Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also raised concerns about the decision-making process behind the new law. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the decision to replace MNREGA without consulting relevant ministers or the Union Cabinet.

"MGNREGA was not just a scheme; it was a rights-based concept. This direct, rights-based concept is now under attack. I have been informed that this decision was taken directly by the Prime Minister’s Office, without consulting the concerned ministers or the Cabinet," Rahul Gandhi remarked. He further characterised the current governance as a "one-man show," indicating that the Prime Minister's directives are carried out without broader consultation.

The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill was passed during the recent winter session of Parliament and has already received assent from President Droupadi Murmu. The Congress party and other opposition groups have expressed strong objections to the new legislation, asserting that it diminishes the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi by removing his name from its title.

The newly enacted law guarantees 125 days of wage employment per financial year to every rural household with adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work. However, unlike its predecessor, this new law stipulates that funding will be shared between the central and state governments at a ratio of 60:40, raising concerns about the sustainability and implementation of the programme.

The Congress party's protest campaign aims to rally public support against what they perceive as an affront to Gandhian principles and workers' rights. As the political landscape evolves, the Congress party is positioning itself as a vocal opponent of this legislative change, seeking to mobilise the electorate ahead of upcoming elections.