New Delhi— The Congress will launch a nationwide campaign against the repeal of the UPA-era rural employment law MGNREGA from January 5, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge warning that public anger over the move will cost the Narendra Modi government dearly.
The VB-G RAM G Act, which replaces the nearly two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, was passed during the recently concluded Winter Session of Parliament amid strong protests by the opposition. The new law provides for 125 days of wage employment for rural workers but changes the framework of the earlier rights-based legislation.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee, Kharge said the party would lead a nationwide “MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan” to oppose the new law. He described MGNREGA as more than a welfare scheme, calling it a constitutional “Right to Work” that empowered rural citizens.
“People are angry over the repeal of MGNREGA, and the government will have to face the consequences,” Kharge said. He added that the Congress Working Committee had collectively resolved to make the issue the focal point of a sustained political campaign beginning January 5.
Kharge also criticised the cost-sharing provision under the VB-G RAM G Act, arguing that it would place an additional financial burden on state governments. He termed the decision one-sided and said it was taken without proper consultation with states.
“This law has been brought to crush the poor,” the Congress president said, asserting that the party would fight the legislation both on the streets and in Parliament.
