The Indian National Congress launched a strong protest in Goa on Sunday, demanding the central government immediately restore the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The party alleges the scheme, a critical lifeline for millions, has been effectively replaced by the new Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin Act.
Day-Long Hunger Strike Marks Protest
To voice their opposition, Congress workers held a day-long token hunger strike at two key locations in Goa: Old Goa and Margao. The protest was a direct action against the Narendra Modi-led central government's decision to overhaul the flagship rural jobs program. Senior party leaders framed the move as an attack on the economic rights of India's poorest citizens.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare led the charge with sharp criticism. He accused the Modi government of stealing the rights of the poor, which MGNREGA had secured for an estimated five to six crore families across the nation. "The schemes and laws formulated for the poor are slowly being wiped away by the Centre," Thakare stated during the protest.
Escalation Planned to Grassroots Level
The protest is not a one-off event. The Congress party has announced plans to intensify its agitation over the coming week. The demonstrations will be extended to the panchayat and block levels, taking the issue directly to rural communities who are most affected by the policy change.
Echoing Thakare's sentiments, Goa Congress president Amit Patkar detailed the specific demands. He highlighted that the original MGNREGA law guaranteed 100 days of employment to those seeking work. "Our demand is that the rights that were given to the poor labourers through MGNREGA should be restored," Patkar asserted.
Demand for Increased Wage Rate
Beyond restoration, the party is also pushing for an increase in the wage rate provided under the scheme. Patkar specified that the Congress demands the daily wage be raised from the current Rs 350 to Rs 400. This dual demand—restoration of the old act and a higher wage—forms the core of the party's current campaign on the issue.
The Congress's protest underscores a significant political battle over social welfare and rural employment policies. The party positions itself as the defender of MGNREGA, a scheme it introduced during the UPA regime. As the protests move to panchayats, the debate over the Viksit Bharat Guarantee and its impact on rural livelihoods is set to gain further momentum.
