GLOBIVOX

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has urged the Union government to retain the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), warning that any attempt to weaken or phase out the scheme would severely impact rural livelihoods. He said the programme continues to act as a safety net for millions of families struggling with rising prices and limited job opportunities in villages.

Kharge highlighted that MGNREGA not only provides assured employment but also supports rural infrastructure development through works related to water conservation, road connectivity, and land improvement. According to him, the scheme has played a vital role in stabilising incomes, especially during economic slowdowns and periods of distress.

The Congress chief accused the Centre of neglecting the programme by reducing budgetary allocations and delaying wage payments, which he said has discouraged workers from participating. He called for timely release of funds, revision of wages in line with inflation, and expansion of workdays to meet growing demand.

Emphasising the social importance of the scheme, Kharge stated that MGNREGA has helped curb distress migration and empowered marginalised communities, including women and Dalits, by ensuring access to dignified work. He urged the government to view the programme as an investment in rural resilience rather than a fiscal burden.

The Centre, however, has maintained that MGNREGA continues to function as per demand and that reforms are being introduced to improve transparency and efficiency. The debate over the future of the scheme has once again brought rural employment and welfare policies into sharp focus.

Kharge further argued that weakening MGNREGA at a time when rural unemployment remains a challenge would worsen economic inequality. He said the scheme has consistently acted as a buffer during crises, including droughts and the pandemic, when private sector jobs were scarce. According to him, reducing its scope could push vulnerable households deeper into poverty.

The Congress leader also questioned the government’s emphasis on technology-driven monitoring, stating that while transparency is important, excessive procedural requirements often exclude genuine beneficiaries. He called for simplifying the registration and attendance processes so that rural workers are not denied wages due to technical glitches.

Experts have echoed concerns about stagnant wages under MGNREGA, pointing out that current rates in many states do not keep pace with the rising cost of living. They argue that revising wages and ensuring predictable work availability could revive interest in the programme and strengthen rural demand.

Opposition parties have demanded that the Centre engage in wider consultations before making any major changes to the scheme. They stress that MGNREGA is a legal entitlement and not a discretionary welfare measure, and therefore must be implemented in both letter and spirit.

As discussions continue, the future of MGNREGA is expected to remain a key political issue, particularly in states with large rural populations. The scheme’s role in ensuring employment security and sustaining rural economies is likely to feature prominently in upcoming policy debates and electoral campaigns.