Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition, has called on millions of MGNREGA workers to follow the example of farmers who successfully forced the central government to withdraw the three farm laws. In a fiery address at the Jawahar Bhawan convention, he urged the workers to stage a united protest against the newly introduced Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, which he claims will dismantle the guaranteed right to work.
Background and Context
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been a cornerstone of rural employment in India since 2005, guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to every rural household. In 2025, the government announced the Viksit Bharat Act, a sweeping overhaul that would replace MGNREGA with a centrally managed scheme. Critics argue that the new law centralises control, reduces state autonomy, and could lead to unequal allocation of funds, disproportionately benefiting BJP‑ruled states.
Earlier this year, farmers across the country staged a nationwide protest that culminated in the withdrawal of the three farm laws. Rahul Gandhi highlighted this episode as a blueprint for collective action, emphasizing that the farmers’ united front forced the government to reconsider its stance. He now sees a similar opportunity for MGNREGA workers to demand the repeal of the Viksit Bharat Act.
Key Developments
During the convention, Rahul Gandhi delivered a passionate speech, stating: “Here is the only way to stop them, workers have been shown the way by farmers. If we all stand together, they will be forced to restore MGNREGA.” He accused the BJP of attempting to erase the “guaranteed right to work” and to centralise decision‑making, thereby creating a system where “the Central government will decide where the money will be allocated, and naturally, the BJP‑ruled states will get more and the Opposition‑ruled states less.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge joined Gandhi, holding a spade and a handful of soil from MGNREGA sites, symbolically adding it to saplings planted at the venue. The gesture was meant to convey unity and collective struggle. The convention drew workers and activists from 22 states, with an estimated 1.2 million participants in the broader “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram” campaign.
Key points raised include:
- Centralisation of funds: The Viksit Bharat Act would transfer control of budget allocation from state governments to the central ministry.
- Reduction in guaranteed work: The new law proposes a shift from guaranteed days to a more flexible, project‑based approach, potentially reducing job security.
- Political implications: The act is seen as a tool to consolidate BJP’s power at the expense of opposition‑ruled states.
Impact Analysis
For rural workers, the Viksit Bharat Act threatens to erode the safety net that has supported millions of families for over a decade. A 2024 survey by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) found that 68% of MGNREGA beneficiaries rely on the scheme for their primary income. The proposed changes could reduce the average wage days by up to 30%, according to the Ministry of Rural Development’s draft guidelines.
Students and young professionals in rural areas, many of whom depend on MGNREGA for part‑time work, could face increased unemployment. The loss of guaranteed work may also affect their ability to afford education, leading to a potential rise in dropout rates. Moreover, the centralisation of funds could delay project implementation, causing a backlog that would further strain local economies.
In urban centres, the ripple effect could be seen in the informal sector, where many workers rely on rural employment to supplement their city incomes. A decline in rural job availability may push more people into informal urban jobs, exacerbating wage disparities and job insecurity.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Dr. Anil Kumar, a labour economist at the Indian Institute of Management, notes that “the success of the farmers’ protest hinged on a unified, well‑coordinated movement that leveraged social media, local unions, and political support. MGNREGA workers can replicate this by forming state‑level coalitions and using digital platforms to mobilise quickly.”
For workers looking to join the movement, here are actionable steps:
- Form local committees: Organise within your village or block to coordinate meetings and share information.
- Use social media: Create WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, and Twitter handles to disseminate updates and rally support.
- Document grievances: Keep records of wage delays, project cancellations, and any violations of the Act to strengthen your case.
- Engage with unions: Align with existing labour unions or form new ones to amplify your voice.
- Stay informed: Follow official notifications from the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- Ensure safety: If you plan to protest, wear protective gear, carry water, and stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
Students can support the cause by volunteering in awareness campaigns, creating informational content, and encouraging peers to participate in local discussions. Universities with rural outreach programmes can host seminars to educate students about the implications of the Viksit Bharat Act.
Looking Ahead
The Congress party has announced a multi‑phase “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram” that will involve outreach to gram sabhas, state assemblies, and the upcoming Budget session of Parliament. If the movement gains traction, the government may be compelled to amend or repeal the Viksit Bharat Act, restoring the original framework of MGNREGA.
However, the political landscape remains uncertain. The BJP has defended the act as a necessary reform to modernise rural employment and improve efficiency. Analysts predict that the government may offer a compromise, such as a hybrid model that retains guaranteed days while introducing performance metrics.
For now, the focus is on building a mass movement that mirrors the farmers’ protest. The success of this endeavour will depend on sustained mobilisation, strategic alliances, and the ability to maintain public pressure on the central government.
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