MGNREGA Row: Congress to Protest Against Modi Government's Move to Replace MNREGA

Congress gears up for nationwide protests against the Modi government's proposed 'Viksit Bharat-G Ram Ji Bill-2025', which aims to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), while the opposition party views this move as a direct assault on the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the fundamental rights of the nation's impoverished citizens. The political temperature is set to rise as the Congress takes its. Verbal opposition to the streets, planning significant demonstrations in the coming days.

The Proposed Bill and Congress's Fierce Opposition

The 'Viksit Bharat-G Ram Ji Bill-2025' has been introduced by the central government as a replacement for the existing MNREGA. This legislative proposal has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party, which vehemently opposes its implementation. According to the Congress, this new bill isn't merely a policy change but a profound insult to the cherished ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. They argue that the bill undermines the very principles of rural self-governance and economic empowerment that Gandhi championed throughout his life.

Nationwide Protests and Commemorative Events Planned

In response to what it terms an "anti-people law" and a "direct attack on Bapu's legacy," the Congress party has announced a series of nationwide protests. On December 17, the party will organize demonstrations across all district headquarters in the country, mobilizing its cadres and supporters to voice their dissent against the proposed legislation, while On top of that, on December 28, coinciding with the Congress's Foundation Day, special programs will be held in every block and village. These events will feature images of Mahatma Gandhi, serving as a powerful symbol to reiterate the Congress's unwavering commitment to the dignity of labor, social justice, and the fundamental right to work for all citizens.

MNREGA: A Pillar of Rural Livelihood and Dignity

Congress leader K. C. Venugopal emphasized the historical significance of MNREGA, describing it as a landmark legislation that enshrined the 'right to work' for millions. He highlighted how the act has not only upheld the dignity of labor but has also provided crucial livelihood security to countless rural households across India. The scheme, formally known as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, ensures at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work, while this provision has been instrumental in mitigating rural distress and providing a safety net for vulnerable populations.

Rahul Gandhi's Strong Condemnation

Adding his voice to the growing chorus of opposition, Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X to express his strong disapproval of the government's move. He asserted that Prime Minister Modi harbors a deep-seated aversion to two fundamental aspects: the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the rights of the poor, while gandhi characterized MNREGA as a living embodiment of Mahatma Gandhi's vision of 'Gram Swaraj' (village self-rule), serving as a lifeline for millions of rural inhabitants. He further pointed out that the scheme proved to be an indispensable economic safety net for these communities during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing much-needed financial stability when other avenues of income dried up.

Allegations of Deliberate Weakening and Eradication

Rahul Gandhi further alleged that MNREGA has consistently been an irritant for Prime Minister Modi, leading to persistent efforts over the past decade to weaken the scheme, while he accused the Prime Minister of now being "hell-bent on erasing MNREGA altogether. " This accusation suggests a deliberate strategy to dismantle a program that has been a cornerstone of rural development and poverty alleviation. The Congress believes that the proposed 'Viksit Bharat-G Ram Ji Bill-2025' is the culmination of these efforts, designed to systematically. Dismantle the existing framework and replace it with something that doesn't align with the original spirit of the act.

The Foundational Pillars of MNREGA

Rahul Gandhi meticulously outlined the three core ideas upon which MNREGA was built. Firstly, the act guaranteed the 'right to employment,' ensuring that anyone who sought work would be provided with it. This fundamental right aimed to empower individuals and prevent forced migration due to lack of opportunities. Secondly, it granted villages the autonomy to determine their own developmental projects, fostering a sense of local ownership and tailored progress. This decentralized approach allowed communities to address their specific needs and priorities. Thirdly, the central government committed to bearing the entire cost of wages and 75 percent of the material costs, ensuring strong financial support for the scheme's implementation across the nation. These foundational principles underscore the comprehensive nature of MNREGA as a tool for rural empowerment and economic justice.