The MGNREGA replacement protest intensified after the Congress announced a nationwide agitation against the VB-G RAM G Act, vowing to restore the rural job guarantee scheme. Congress framed the MGNREGA replacement protest as a fight for rural rights.
At a press conference, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed that the party will fight to have the MGNREGA reinstated across India. The MGNREGA programme provided a legal framework for a job guarantee for 100 days a year to rural workers, and the movement against its replacement with this new, one-sided law was borne out of the consent of the Indian people. Kharge stated that many rural workers feel betrayed and insecure after this new law came into effect without consultation or input from any of the affected state governments, local governments (Panchayati Raj), and other stakeholders.
Furthermore, Kharge compared the change in MGNREGA to the government’s previous decision to repeal the farm laws after sustained pressure from the farm community. The Congress party leaders said they planned to protest in both the streets and in Parliament until their demands regarding it were met.
Congress alleges federal assault behind MGNREGA replacement
The Opposition Leader, Rahul Gandhi, has accused the Prime Minister of taking unilateral action regarding a law that was passed by the central government, indicating that the government was introducing this law without consulting cabinet ministers or doing a thorough analysis of the law. Gandhi stated that this was an assault on federalism and the rights-based nature of governance, and that the MGNREGA has bolstered the rural economy and fostered inclusive development. When COVID-19 hit, MGNREGA provided millions with security and protected individuals from losing their jobs and being made homeless.
Congress party members have stated that the central government is now transferring the financial responsibility for MGNREGA to the states and have expressed concerns regarding the changes to the federal government/state funding for the current employment scheme. They have expressed that a reduction in federal government support will have a particularly severe impact on the poor states. Congress leaders believe that the current law is primarily for the benefit of corporate interests, rather than rural workers.
What the VB-G RAM G Act changes for rural workers
The VB-G RAM G Act was passed by Parliament in the Winter Session. This act replaced the rural employment guarantee framework that had existed for 20 years. Under the new act, workers can access 125 days’ worth of wage employment each year. The Central Government established a 60:40 funding ratio (Centre/States).
The 90:10 funding ratio will remain in effect for special category states. States will have to absorb additional costs incurred above the central government-established norms. In addition, the act allows states to establish periods of agricultural peak that do not require worker involvement.
The Congress Party issued a statement indicating that the provisions of the act substantially reduce workers’ rights and limit state autonomy. Consequently, the party has vowed to continue to demonstrate until the Government returns to implementing the MGNREGA program.
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