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Congress Launches Nationwide Protests Amid MGNREGA 'Assault' Claims

The Congress party has announced a series of nationwide protests against what it calls the government's attempt to undermine the MGNREGA scheme. Senior leader K.C. Venugopal stated the protests will begin at district headquarters across the country. He framed the issue as a defense of a hard-won right crucial for the survival and dignity of millions. The party plans further village-level programs on its Foundation Day, linking the fight to Gandhian ideals of inclusive development.

Key Points: Congress Protests MGNREGA Cuts, Venugopal Announces Nationwide Agitation

  • Congress to hold protests at district HQs nationwide against MGNREGA policy changes
  • Alleges systematic undermining of the rural employment guarantee scheme
  • Plans further village-level agitations on Congress Foundation Day, December 28
  • Accuses government of diluting the law through inadequate funding and measures
2 min read

Congress announces nationwide protests against 'assault' on MGNREGA: K.C. Venugopal

Congress announces nationwide protests against alleged government assault on MGNREGA, warning it threatens the livelihood security of millions of rural families.

"This fight is about standing with millions whose survival, dignity and hope depend on MGNREGA. - K.C. Venugopal"

New Delhi, Dec 16

The Congress, on Tuesday, announced a series of nationwide protests against what it termed the Union government's attempt to "kill" the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), warning that the move amounted to a direct attack on the livelihood security of millions of rural families.

Congress General Secretary (Organisation) and Alappuzha MP, K.C. Venugopal, said the party would hold protests on Wednesday at the district headquarters across the country to oppose what he described as an "anti-people" approach towards the flagship rural employment scheme.

He alleged that the Union government's policies were systematically undermining MGNREGA, a law enacted to guarantee the right to work and uphold the dignity of labour.

Taking the protests forward, Venugopal said the Congress would also organise programmes across mandals and villages on December 28, the Congress Foundation Day.

As part of these programmes, Congress workers will hold portraits of Mahatma Gandhi to underline what the party views as an ideological and moral assault on Gandhiji's legacy.

"MGNREGA is not an ordinary piece of legislation. It is a historic law that has provided livelihood security to crores of rural families and strengthened the economic backbone of villages across India," Venugopal added.

He stressed that the scheme had played a crucial role in protecting the poorest sections during times of distress, ensuring income support and preserving the dignity of labour.

The senior Congress leader asserted that the party's opposition was not limited to a specific Bill or policy decision, but was rooted in the defence of a "hard-won right" earned through years of struggle.

"This fight is about standing with millions whose survival, dignity and hope depend on MGNREGA," Venugopal said.

He accused the Union government of diluting the intent of the legislation through inadequate funding and policy measures, saying that such actions weaken rural employment guarantees at a time of rising economic uncertainty.

Reiterating the Congress's commitment to the poor, Venugopal said the party would continue to lead the movement in the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi, positioning the protests as both a political and moral battle to defend India's most vulnerable sections and protect the legacy of inclusive development.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the scheme's intent is good, there are serious issues with corruption and inefficiency on the ground. Funds don't always reach the workers. Maybe the focus should be on fixing the implementation first?
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Priyanka N
It's always politics before people. The Congress created MGNREGA, so of course they will defend it. But the current government also has a responsibility to ensure it runs well and funds are used properly. Both sides need to work for the poor, not just use them for votes.
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Aman W
During the pandemic, MGNREGA wages were the only thing that saved my family from hunger. Calling it a "hard-won right" is absolutely correct. We cannot let this safety net be taken away. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
Holding portraits of Gandhiji is a good symbolic move. The scheme is in the spirit of his work for rural empowerment. The debate should be about how to make it more effective for today's India, not about killing it.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see this level of political mobilization around a rural employment scheme. In the West, we often debate universal basic income. MGNREGA seems like a targeted version of that for rural India. Its survival is crucial for social stability.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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