Amritsar: A strong protest was staged in Amritsar by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha against the policies of the Central Government. The protest was led by senior farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher. During the demonstration, an effigy of the Modi government was burnt and sharp slogans were raised against the Centre.
Addressing the gathering, Pandher said that amendments made to the MGNREGA Act are proving disastrous for the labouring class. He stated that earlier, labourers were able to get employment at the village level under MGNREGA, but the new provisions are taking away these rights. He alleged that the Central Government has reduced MGNREGA funding by 40 per cent, which has significantly reduced employment opportunities across states, including Punjab.
Pandher accused the Centre of distorting facts and demanded clarity on how much budget is actually being released to Punjab. He pointed out that earlier, labourers could apply for work through the sarpanch or the BDPO, but now even this right is being curtailed in the name of digital systems. He said the reduction of powers of panchayats has also adversely affected development works in villages, while digitalisation has created further difficulties for poor labourers.
The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha demanded immediate restoration of the old MGNREGA Act, 200 days of employment per year for labourers, and a daily wage of ₹700. The organisation also urged the Punjab government to pass a resolution in the Vidhan Sabha on the issue and strongly oppose the Centre’s alleged anti-labour policies.
The leaders warned that if their demands are not accepted, the agitation will be intensified further.
