New Delhi, Jan 10 (NationPress) - On Saturday, the Congress party initiated its nationwide 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' by conducting press conferences at district committee offices across the country, pledging to fight diligently until they safeguard the constitutional right to work for the people.

Jairam Ramesh, Member of Parliament and Congress General Secretary Communications In-Charge, announced on X, "Today, the Indian National Congress is unveiling the MGNREGA Bachao Sangram with a press conference at each District Congress Committee office nationwide."

"@INCIndia remains steadfast in this battle until we restore the right to work, livelihood, and accountability that the Modi government has taken away through its aggressive dismantling of the MGNREGA," Ramesh mentioned.

On January 3, the Congress outlined its strategy to initiate a nationwide protest against the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB G-RAM G) Act, alleging that it quietly undermines the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the legal right to work it provides for rural citizens.

This announcement was made during a press briefing at the Congress office in New Delhi by the party's General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal and senior leader Jairam Ramesh.

Venugopal stated that the Congress has formulated a comprehensive plan to protect MGNREGA through a nationwide campaign.

He commented, "VB-G RAM G is a legislation enacted by the Indian government. After extensive discussions regarding the future course of action against this law, the Congress National Committee resolved to launch a vigorous campaign across the nation to preserve MGNREGA."

Labeling the new legislation as detrimental, Venugopal asserted, "This law aims to extinguish MGNREGA. Thanks to MGNREGA, hunger has diminished, migration has lessened, and infrastructure such as roads, canals, and dams were developed. During the COVID-19 period and economic downturn, MGNREGA served as a protective safety net for the populace."

He also accused the VB-G RAM G Act of stripping the guaranteed right to employment.

"Under the VB-G RAM G scheme, employment is no longer an entitlement. Work will only be allocated through panchayats, not by the government. MGNREGA was demand-driven, while VB-G RAM G imposes budget limitations. It quietly abolishes the legal right to work," Venugopal explained.

Ramesh cautioned that the decentralized structure of MGNREGA is under threat.

"MGNREGA was a decentralized initiative. Now, decisions will be made in Delhi, adversely affecting villages. Numerous panchayats may receive no funds," he added.

Ramesh claimed the law contradicts constitutional provisions.

"Article 258 of the Constitution stipulates that this formula must be established after dialogue between the state and Central governments. However, they made unilateral decisions, violating the Constitution," he said.

Drawing parallels with the farmers' protests, Ramesh emphasized, "The three farm laws protest was centered in Delhi, yet the MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan will not be confined to Delhi. It will unfold at state, district, block, and panchayat levels."

He reminisced about the inception of MGNREGA, highlighting that it was enacted in 2005 with broad political consensus and thorough committee review.

"In this new legislation, it is not about Viksit Bharat, but rather Vinash Bharat. We demand the reinstatement of MGNREGA and the protection of rural India," Ramesh stated.

Outlining the campaign's roadmap, he announced it would last for 45 days.

"This will be a national movement. If necessary, we will pursue legal action. The outcome will mirror the response to the three black farm laws," he added.