Making Cuts In Implementation Of MGNREGA A Crime Against Constitution

On Monday, June 16, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made serious allegations against the Modi government, claiming that it is attempting to “destroy MGNREGA,” the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. He described the government’s cuts in the implementation of this crucial scheme as a “crime against the Constitution.”

Kharge shared a media report on X, which indicated that, for the first time, the government has capped spending under MGNREGS at “60 percent of its annual allocation for the first half of the financial year 2025-26.” This revelation raised significant concerns about the future of the program, which serves as a vital lifeline for millions of poor families across India.

In a post written in Hindi on X, Kharge stated, “The Modi government is trying to destroy MGNREGA, the lifeline of the poor. The Modi government has now fixed the limit of MGNREGA expenditure at 60% for the first 6 months of the year.” He emphasized that such cuts undermine the very essence of the scheme, which guarantees the Right to Work under the Constitution.

Kharge posed several critical questions regarding the implications of this cap. He asked, “Is the Modi government doing this only because it wants to snatch about Rs 25,000 crore from the pockets of the poor, which it has to spend separately in the next financial year when the demand is high at the end of the year?” This pointed inquiry highlights the potential financial motivations behind the government’s decision.

He further elaborated on the risks associated with capping MGNREGA spending, stating, “Since MGNREGA is a demand-driven scheme, what happens if there is a surge in demand during the first half in case of disasters or adverse weather conditions? Will not imposing such a cap hurt the poor who depend on MGNREGA for their livelihood?” This concern is particularly relevant given the unpredictable nature of climate-related events that can drastically affect rural employment needs.

Kharge also raised the issue of what would happen if the spending limit is exceeded. He questioned, “What happens if the limit is crossed? Will states be forced to deny employment despite demand, or will workers have to work without payment?” These questions underscore the potential for significant hardship among workers who rely on MGNREGA for their daily sustenance.

In a further critique, Kharge pointed out a troubling statistic: “Is it not true that according to a recent report, only 7 percent of families have received the promised 100 days of work?” This statistic raises alarms about the effectiveness of the program and the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to the poor.

He continued to challenge the government’s actions, asking, “Why were nearly 7 crore registered workers excluded from MGNREGA on the condition of AADHAAR-based payment? Why was the MGNREGA budget allocated the least in the total budget in 10 years? Why is the anti-poor Modi government hell-bent on oppressing MGNREGA workers?” These questions reflect a deep frustration with the perceived neglect of the rural workforce.

Kharge concluded his remarks by stating that the reduction in MGNREGA expenditure is a “severe blow inflicted by the Modi government on the lives of every poor (person).” He affirmed that the Congress party would “vehemently oppose this” decision.

He reiterated the party’s firm stance on two key demands: “First, a minimum wage of Rs 400 per day should be fixed for MGNREGA workers. Second, there should be employment for at least 150 days in a year.” These demands aim to ensure that the rights and livelihoods of the rural poor are protected and prioritized in government policy.