In a bold move to safeguard one of India’s flagship rural employment schemes, the Congress party has kicked off the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ across the country. This nationwide campaign underscores the party’s commitment to protecting the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act from what it calls systematic dismantling by the current government.
Launched simultaneously in multiple states, the initiative draws attention to the alleged neglect and underfunding of MGNREGA, a program that has provided vital livelihoods to millions in rural India since 2005. Congress leaders argue that recent budget cuts and administrative hurdles have pushed workers into distress, exacerbating unemployment in villages already reeling from economic slowdowns.
At the heart of the campaign are rallies, protests, and awareness drives aimed at mobilizing rural voters. Senior Congress figures, including former party presidents, have taken to the streets in key districts, sharing stories of workers who waited months for wages or saw projects stalled indefinitely. ‘MGNREGA isn’t just a scheme; it’s a lifeline for the poor,’ declared one organizer in Uttar Pradesh, where thousands gathered under party banners.
The timing couldn’t be more strategic, coinciding with upcoming assembly elections in several states. Critics within the party say this is pure politics, but supporters point to data: MGNREGA job cards issued have dropped by over 20% in the last two years, per government figures. The campaign demands immediate fund releases, timely payments, and an increase in daily wages to match inflation.
As the ‘Sangram’ gains momentum, it’s sparking debates on social media and in village panchayats. Opposition parties have echoed some concerns, but the BJP dismisses it as electioneering. With rural distress at the forefront, Congress hopes this battle cry will resonate deeply, reminding voters of promises kept and broken. The coming weeks will test if this movement can truly revive the spirit of MGNREGA.