In a sharp critique of the central government, Punjab Youth Congress president Mohit Mohindra on Monday accused the BJP-led administration of launching a direct assault on the poor, rural workers, and the state of Punjab through its new Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika (Gramin) legislation.
An Assault on MGNREGA's Foundation
Addressing a press conference in Patiala, Mohindra asserted that the newly introduced VB-G RAM G framework systematically destroys the legal foundation and core ethos of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He argued that while it is falsely projected as an expansion of employment opportunities, it actually weakens the statutory guarantee for rural work.
“The spirit of MGNREGA lies in its accountability. It was a legal guarantee for rural employment given very thoughtfully by the UPA government back in 2005,” said Mohindra. “By replacing this law, the BJP has attacked the poorest sections of society and weakened federalism further.”
From Legal Right to Centralized Charity
The Youth Congress leader highlighted a fundamental shift in the new policy. Under the original MGNREGA, any rural household could demand work, and the government was legally bound to provide employment within 15 days or pay an unemployment allowance. Mohindra claimed this right has been diluted into charity under the BJP's new framework.
“Employment is no longer a right. It depends on permissions, notifications, and approvals from Delhi. This turns a right into charity,” he stated.
He also dismissed the government's claim of increasing workdays from 100 to 125, questioning its value without a legal guarantee. “Numbers on paper do not feed families. Only guaranteed employment does,” Mohindra remarked.
Financial Arm-Twisting and Sideling Local Bodies
Mohindra raised serious concerns about centralization and financial burden. He alleged that the new law vests all decision-making powers with the Centre, determining when, how much, and what work will be done, while forcing states like Punjab to foot the bill.
“This is financial arm-twisting. How will poor states or those under extreme debt like Punjab, with a burden of nearly Rs 4 lakh crore, be able to implement it?” he questioned. He warned that the new 60:40 cost-sharing model would force Punjab to reduce employment rather than expand it.
Furthermore, he accused the legislation of sidelining gram sabhas and panchayats, which were the backbone of MGNREGA's local planning and implementation. “Why should Delhi decide if work needs to be done in my constituency?” he asked.
Announcement of Protest Yatra
In response, Mohindra announced a five-day-long 'MGNREGA Mazdoor Adhikar Bachao Yatra' starting from January 8. The campaign will commence from Gurdaspur and conclude in Tarn Taran, led by Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.
“This yatra is a fight to protect the employment rights of rural workers and to defend Punjab's interests,” Mohindra declared, framing the new law as a guarantee for “less work for the poor and more financial pressure on Punjab.”
