Congress Leaders Launch 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' Rally in Hyderabad
In a significant political move, Congress leaders in Hyderabad launched the 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' rally from the historic Charminar on Saturday. The event was spearheaded by AICC secretary Sachin Sawant, former MP V Hanumantha Rao, and Hyderabad district Congress president Syed Khalid Saifullah, who collectively voiced strong opposition to the Narendra Modi-led government's handling of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Accusations of Undermining Rural Job Scheme
Speaking at the rally, the leaders asserted that the Central government is destroying the soul of MGNREGA, a flagship rural employment program. They argued that the legal right to work, which once empowered rural families to demand employment, is being transformed into a favor controlled by the Centre. This shift, they claimed, is unacceptable in a democratic framework.
Sachin Sawant highlighted concerns over wage insecurity under the new system. "Earlier, families could rely on minimum wages and seek work throughout the year. Now, with arbitrary wage-setting and no work during the harvest season, rural labourers are being forced into low-paid and insecure jobs," he stated, emphasizing the adverse impact on rural livelihoods.
Threats to Decentralized Governance
Syed Khalid Saifullah warned about the erosion of grassroots governance. He pointed out that MGNREGA's strength lay in its decentralized approach through gram panchayats, but now those powers are being stripped away and handed over to contractors. "Local workers are being reduced to cheap labour without rights or representation," he lamented.
Additionally, Saifullah criticized the policy requiring state governments to bear 40% of wage costs, calling it a direct attack on the poor. He noted that this would discourage implementation, disproportionately affecting women and SC/ST families who depend on the scheme for survival.
MGNREGA as a Lifeline for Rural India
The Congress leaders passed a resolution in support of MGNREGA, describing it as a lifeline for rural India. They highlighted its achievements over the past two decades, including:
- Generating over 180 crore person-days of work.
- Creating nearly 10 crore public assets.
- Empowering gram panchayats through local planning.
Saifullah underscored the scheme's critical role during the Covid-19 pandemic, stating, "During the Covid-19 pandemic, MGNREGA became the backbone of the rural economy. It is now under threat, and we must act." The rally concluded with a call to action to protect and revitalize the scheme amidst growing concerns over its future under current policies.
