Congress President Criticizes Modi Government's Cuts to MGNREGA Funding

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has voiced strong opposition to the Modi government's recent cuts to MGNREGA funding, labeling it an unconstitutional act that threatens the livelihoods of the poor. He raised concerns about the implications of a 60% spending cap on this crucial employment scheme, questioning the government's motives and the potential harm to those reliant on MGNREGA. Kharge emphasized the need for a minimum wage for workers and a guarantee of workdays, pledging that the Congress party will fight against these detrimental changes.
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Congress President Criticizes Modi Government's Cuts to MGNREGA Funding

Concerns Over MGNREGA Funding Cuts

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the Modi administration of attempting to dismantle the MGNREGA scheme, asserting that reducing its implementation is a violation of the Constitution. He expressed on social media that the government is systematically undermining MGNREGA, which serves as a lifeline for the impoverished. The Modi government has set a spending cap of 60% for MGNREGA in the first six months of the year. Kharge emphasized that cutting funds for MGNREGA, which guarantees the right to work under the Constitution, constitutes an unconstitutional act.


 


Kharge raised critical questions, wondering if the Modi government is motivated by a desire to seize approximately ₹25,000 crores from the poor, which is typically spent in the next fiscal year when demand increases at the end of the current year. He further questioned the implications of imposing such limits on a demand-driven scheme like MGNREGA, especially during disasters or adverse weather conditions when demand might surge. Would this not adversely affect those who rely on MGNREGA for their livelihoods?


 


He also queried what would happen if the spending cap is exceeded. Would states be compelled to deny employment despite demand, or would workers have to work without timely payments? A recent report indicated that only 7% of families received the promised 100 days of work (Lib Tech, as of May 21). Why have nearly 7 crore registered workers been excluded from MGNREGA due to Aadhaar-based payment conditions? Additionally, he questioned why MGNREGA received the lowest budget allocation in a decade. Why is the Modi government, perceived as anti-poor, intent on oppressing MGNREGA workers?


 


Kharge stated that the cuts to MGNREGA funding represent a severe blow to the lives of the poor inflicted by the Modi government. The Congress party will vehemently oppose this. We stand firm on two demands: first, a minimum wage of ₹400 per day for MGNREGA workers, and second, at least 150 days of work per year.


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