Protests Erupt in Assam Against Repeal of MGNREGA

In Assam, Left parties have mobilized protests against the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the introduction of a new employment law. Activists argue that the new legislation undermines the rights of rural laborers and could lead to increased unemployment. With demonstrations held across the state, leaders are calling for the restoration of MGNREGA and an increase in guaranteed workdays. The protests reflect widespread concern over the government's shift in policy and its impact on the rural workforce. Join us as we delve deeper into the implications of these changes and the ongoing resistance from various political factions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 12:04 IST

Protests Across Assam

Guwahati, Dec 23: Today, various Left parties conducted protest activities throughout Assam in response to the Modi-led Central government's decision to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. This action coincided with the recent passage of a new legislation known as the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) in Parliament on December 18.

In alignment with a nationwide call, joint protests including sit-ins, demonstrations, and rallies took place in Guwahati and other regions of the state, organized by CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML), and the Forward Bloc.

The Left parties criticized the repeal of MGNREGA, arguing that it undermines the legal right to work for impoverished rural laborers, a right established through extensive mass movements during the first UPA government. They contend that the new legislation transforms a rights-based framework into a budget-dependent scheme, where employment is not guaranteed once allocated funds are depleted.

Concerns were also raised regarding the revised 60:40 expenditure-sharing ratio between the Central and State governments, which they believe will complicate implementation in economically disadvantaged states like Assam.

Further criticism of the new law highlighted the diminished role of panchayats, local bodies, and State governments in planning and decision-making, suggesting a shift from decentralization to excessive centralization, thereby weakening the federal structure.

During a protest near Meghdoot Bhawan in Guwahati, over 200 activists gathered. CPI(M) state secretary Suprakash Talukdar addressed the crowd, warning that the repeal of MGNREGA could lead to a significant increase in rural unemployment, compelling more youth from Assam to seek work in other states. He alleged that the government's actions favor large corporate interests at the expense of rural communities.

CPI(M) Central Committee member Ishfaqur Rahman characterized the new law as a declaration of class warfare against rural workers, asserting that it threatens their rights to food, life, and dignity. He called for the restoration of MGNREGA, an increase in guaranteed workdays to 200, a minimum daily wage of Rs 600, and the expansion of employment guarantees to urban areas.

Additionally, they protested the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the Act, viewing it as an attempt to erase Gandhian principles such as social justice, labor dignity, and rural self-sufficiency.

The claim of increasing annual workdays from 100 to 125 was dismissed as deceptive, with leaders arguing that reduced funding and the elimination of legal guarantees would likely result in fewer workdays.

Forward Bloc leader Tapan Debnath also spoke at the protest, advocating for a unified movement against what he termed the anti-people policies of the Central government.

Similar protests were held in other regions of Assam, including Nagaon and Karimganj.