Bajwa Criticizes Central Government for Undermining MGNREGA

The leader of the opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, has sharply criticized the Indian central government for its recent legislation aimed at altering the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). During a press conference on Friday in Chandigarh, Bajwa described the new Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) as a direct attack on the rights and economic security of rural citizens.

Bajwa lamented that the transformative initiatives championed by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi were now being systematically dismantled. He emphasized that MGNREGA is not merely a charity but a rights-based law enshrined in the Constitution, which has empowered millions of rural households, particularly among marginalized communities. “It is tragic that after 20 years, this historic achievement is being destroyed through calculated policy changes,” he stated.

In his remarks, Bajwa specifically targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the new legislation represents a deliberate effort to weaken MGNREGA. He argued that shifting the financial burden to states, reducing guaranteed employment, and giving the Centre excessive discretionary powers would only exacerbate rural distress. “This will force large-scale migration and widen economic inequalities across the country,” he warned.

Bajwa also criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of lacking the political will to confront the central government. “The Chief Minister complains but takes no decisive action. He has failed to lead Punjab or defend the rights of its people,” Bajwa added.

Despite the political implications, Bajwa insisted that the Congress party would not politicize the issue affecting the rural poor. He urged the Mann-led government to join forces with the Indian National Congress and protest in Delhi for the reinstatement of MGNREGA in its original form. “This is about protecting the legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh and defending the constitutional right to work,” he said.

The Congress leader reaffirmed the party’s commitment to resist any attempts to dismantle pro-poor, rights-based legislation. He expressed a desire to unite with all democratic forces to protect the interests of workers, farmers, and the most vulnerable sections of society.

As the debate surrounding MGNREGA continues, the implications of the central government’s actions on rural employment and economic security remain a pressing concern for many across India.