Sonia Gandhi Criticizes Modi Government for Undermining MNREGA

Sonia Gandhi's Accusations Against the Central Government

On Tuesday, Sonia Gandhi, a Congress MP and former party president, accused the Modi-led central government of systematically undermining the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). She described the recent modifications to the scheme as a direct assault on the poor, unemployed, and marginalized communities. In a video message released as part of the Congress party's "Save MNREGA" campaign, Gandhi reminded viewers that this landmark employment guarantee law was unanimously passed by Parliament two decades ago during the tenure of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The Impact of MNREGA

Sonia characterized MNREGA as a revolutionary initiative that granted a legal right to employment for rural families, reduced distress migration, and bolstered the rural economy by providing support to millions of impoverished households. She alleged that over the past eleven years, the Modi administration has neglected the interests of the poor and weakened the essence of MNREGA. Gandhi pointed out that not only was Mahatma Gandhi's name removed from the law, but the scheme itself has been dismantled, with arbitrary changes made without consulting the opposition.

Concerns Over Employment Allocation Decisions

She further noted that decisions regarding employment allocations are now made in Delhi, far removed from the ground realities. The Congress leader emphasized that weakening MNREGA is an attack on landless farmers, rural workers, and the disadvantaged, asserting that this law transcends party lines and is a matter of national significance. "Twenty years ago, I fought for the employment rights of my impoverished brothers and sisters. Today, I am committed to fighting against this unjust law," she stated.

Launch of the Nationwide Campaign

This video marks the commencement of the Congress party's 45-day nationwide "Save MNREGA" campaign, which will run from January 10 to February 25. The campaign will feature peaceful protests, assembly sit-ins, awareness initiatives at the panchayat level, and a "demand for work" movement. The party has also accused the central government of attempting to replace MNREGA with a new rural employment framework that would dilute the provisions for guaranteed work.