The Aryavarth Express
Amritsar (Punjab):
The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha Bharat has announced district-level protests across Punjab on December 29, including the burning of effigies, to oppose what it described as the Union government’s recent changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The farmers’ and workers’ organisation alleged that the Centre’s policy and legislative changes are aimed at weakening MGNREGA and reducing employment opportunities for rural workers. According to the Morcha, the government has cut MGNREGA funding by nearly 40 per cent and stripped Panchayats and District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) offices of their implementation powers, thereby centralising decision-making related to work approvals and employment.
The organisation claimed that the shift undermines local self-governance and restricts the scope of permissible work under the scheme. It stated that Punjab has around 11–12 lakh job card holders, while nearly 12 crore workers across the country depend on MGNREGA for livelihood support. The Morcha alleged that curtailing the scheme would push rural workers into unemployment and benefit corporate interests by creating a pool of cheap labour.
In protest, the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha Bharat announced that effigies of the Modi government will be burnt at district headquarters across Punjab on December 29. The organisation demanded restoration of MGNREGA in its earlier form, an increase in guaranteed employment from 100 to 200 days per year, and a hike in daily wages to ₹700. It also reiterated its opposition to the four labour codes enacted by the Centre, alleging they dilute workers’ rights.
The Morcha said it would continue its agitation until what it termed the rights of workers and labourers are fully protected.
Meanwhile, similar opposition was witnessed in Tamil Nadu, where the ruling DMK-led alliance recently staged protests in Chennai against the proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill. Leaders from the DMK and its allies criticised the move, alleging it sought to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy from MGNREGA.
Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani said that Gandhi’s ideals could not be erased through legislative changes, asserting that his principles remain deeply rooted in Indian society. VCK chief and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan also criticised the BJP-led Union government, accusing it of undermining one of India’s most significant rural employment schemes by removing Gandhi’s name. He reiterated support for the Tamil Nadu government’s stand on the issue.
According to the revised Bill, the guaranteed employment under the scheme has been increased to 125 days per rural household from the existing 100 days. The Bill proposes a Centre–state funding ratio of 60:40, while for northeastern states, Himalayan states, and certain Union Territories, the ratio will be 90:10. It also allows state governments to notify up to 60 days in a financial year during peak agricultural seasons such as sowing and harvesting.
