NITI Aayog Begins MGNREGS Evaluation in Punjab Amid Rising Tensions
NITI Aayog has started an evaluation study of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in eight districts of Punjab. This move comes as protests intensify against the newly introduced Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission–Gramin (VB-G RAM G). Workers and political parties express fears that the new scheme could weaken the existing employment guarantee framework.
Evaluation Details and District Selection
The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of NITI Aayog will conduct the evaluation during January and February 2026. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, in partnership with ORG India, will handle extensive field surveys. The study focuses on eight districts: Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Moga, Malerkotla, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, and Sangrur.
Punjab has a total of 23 districts, but the evaluation remains selective. Similar district-wise studies are underway in other states, such as Himachal Pradesh, where Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts are under review.
Official Instructions and Coordination Efforts
In a letter dated January 14, 2026, S Arputhaswamy, Economic Advisor at DMEO, requested cooperation from district administrations. The letter directs officials to facilitate field surveys by providing access to institutions, local representatives, and beneficiaries. It also outlines specific roles for local functionaries like Rozgar Sahayaks.
Local functionaries should only help surveyors reach beneficiaries. They must not answer questions on behalf of beneficiaries or be present during interviews.
DMEO has shared contact details for nine core team members from Deloitte, ORG India, and NITI Aayog to ensure smooth coordination. The evaluation will also address complaints about irregularities in MGNREGS implementation.
Political Backlash and Worker Protests
The timing of the evaluation is politically sensitive. MGNREGS workers across Punjab villages are protesting the VB-G RAM G scheme. They worry it might replace or dilute their current employment guarantees. Opposition parties have taken strong stances against the new act.
The Congress party has launched a statewide "MGNREGS Bachao Sangram" campaign. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has passed a resolution opposing the VB-G RAM G Act. Tarsem Peter, president of the Pendu Mazdoor Union in Punjab, voiced concerns about the evaluation's transparency.
"This evaluation can influence the future direction of VB-G RAM G in the country, particularly in Punjab. Workers deserve transparent information," Peter stated.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The selective nature of the evaluation and its timing amid protests have sparked discussions among worker unions and political observers. Many see it as a critical step that could shape policy decisions on rural employment schemes in India. The outcome may impact how VB-G RAM G is rolled out nationally, with Punjab serving as a key test case.
As field surveys proceed, all eyes remain on Punjab. The results could determine the fate of both MGNREGS and the controversial VB-G RAM G scheme in the coming months.
