Chandigarh, January 25
With the objective of protecting the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and preserving its original spirit, a Zoom meeting was organized under the chairmanship of Haryana in-charge B.K. Hariprasad, and under the leadership of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh. The meeting was attended by co-incharges Prafulla Gudhe and Jitendra Baghel, along with Congress MPs, MLAs, district in-charges of MGNREGA, state presidents of frontal organizations, district presidents, and party workers and office-bearers from across the state.
During the meeting, in-charge B.K. Hariprasad issued special instructions to MPs, MLAs, district presidents, and state office-bearers to engage with people in their respective areas through padyatras (foot marches), hold discussions, and work towards creating public awareness. He said that this meeting is a major step towards launching a grassroots awareness campaign against the recent changes made by the Central Government in the name and structure of MGNREGA.
Addressing the meeting, State President Rao Narendra Singh clearly stated that MGNREGA has proved to be a strong lifeline for the poor rural population, labourers, small farmers, and landless workers of rural India. He said the scheme not only provided a guarantee of 100 days of employment, but also strengthened the rural economy and ensured sustainable development in rural areas through works such as water conservation, road construction, and land development.
Rao Narendra Singh leveled serious allegations against the present Central Government, stating that under a well-planned strategy this historic law is being weakened and reduced to merely a “scheme.” He said that under the recently passed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, 2025—popularly promoted as VB-G RAM G or “G-Ram-G”—claims are being made of increasing employment days from 100 to 125, but the ground reality is far from these claims.
He said, “Despite the claims of the present government, most rural workers are not getting more than 50 days of employment. Wages are not being paid on time, and serious questions are being raised about the transparency and effectiveness of the scheme.”
The State President especially emphasized that under the new changes, the powers of Panchayats have almost been eliminated. Decision-making powers have now been centralized with the Central Government, creating obstacles in the implementation of the scheme at the local level. He termed this as an attack on rural democracy.
Strong resentment was also expressed over renaming the scheme as ‘Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural)’ and promoting it as “G-Ram-G.” Rao Narendra Singh described this as misleading and objectionable. He said, “Using the sacred name of Lord Ram for political gain in such a sensitive and public welfare–oriented issue is not only wrong but also an attempt to mislead the public. Removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from this scheme and replacing it in this manner is an insult to the Father of the Nation.”
He appealed to all Congress workers to go from village to village and inform people in detail about their rights under MGNREGA, including minimum wages, timely payment, job cards, social audits, and other provisions. He also urged them to explain the harm caused by the new changes and how people’s rights are being taken away.
Clear instructions were given that this awareness campaign should be conducted intensively across the state till 25 February, so that rural citizens come to know the truth and raise their voices for their rights. The Zoom meeting was attended by almost all Congress MPs, MLAs, district presidents, block presidents, office-bearers of Mahila and Youth Congress, and other senior leaders from across the state. All participants shared the problems of their respective areas and held detailed discussions on organizational strategy. Several leaders suggested expanding the issue further through social media, gram sabhas, and village chaupal meetings.
Concluding the meeting, State President Rao Narendra Singh called upon all workers to unite and continue the struggle on issues of public interest. He said, “The Congress Party will continue to strongly oppose any attempt to weaken the original spirit of MGNREGA, to undermine the interests of rural labourers, or to snatch away their rights. It is our resolve that every rural worker in India must receive what is rightfully theirs.”
