Is Punjab Congress Reviving 'MGNREGA' with 'Bachao Sangram'?
Synopsis
The Punjab Congress has launched a significant movement to revive the MGNREGA scheme, emphasizing its importance for rural employment. Join thousands in Gurdaspur as they rally for the rights of laborers and marginalized communities, demanding accountability from the government.
Key Takeaways
Punjab Congress launched 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' to revive employment scheme.
Thousands gathered in Gurdaspur for the movement.
Party leaders criticized the BJP government over rural employment issues.
Former leaders highlighted the global recognition of MGNREGA.
Call for accountability from the AAP government in Punjab.
Chandigarh, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Punjab Congress spearheaded the initiation of the inaugural phase of the 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' on Thursday, aiming to restore the rural employment guarantee initiative named after Mahatma Gandhi.
The 'sangram' commenced with a rally in Gurdaspur, drawing attendance from prominent party leaders, alongside thousands of workers, laborers, farmers, and representatives from underprivileged communities.
Congress officials reaffirmed their commitment to compelling the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the national level to reinstate the MGNREGA and retract the controversial new legislation 'VB-G RAM G', similar to the way the government was pressured to withdraw the three contentious agricultural laws.
During the event, Bhupesh Baghel, former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and Congress General Secretary in-charge of Punjab, emphasized that the Congress has consistently made choices that benefit laborers and marginalized groups.
He pointed out that the MGNREGA, launched in 2005 under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, is recognized both nationally and internationally as a 'pro-poor' initiative.
Baghel noted that following the scheme's discontinuation by the Modi-led Union government, Congress leaders, including party President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, pledged to advocate for laborers and marginalized communities who lack representation to defend their rights.
He further criticized the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, labeling it as the 'B-team' of the BJP.
Baghel stated that the AAP administration has failed to contribute even 10% of the required funding to create jobs for the rural poor.
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring asserted that Prime Minister Modi has shown hostility towards the MGNREGA since its inception, branding it a failure.
Nevertheless, he claimed that the MGNREGA scheme is acknowledged globally as the most effective rural employment generation program.
He emphasized that it has provided dignity to rural workers and stimulated the rural economy by increasing the purchasing power of individuals.
Warring also criticized the BJP for claiming to offer 125 workdays under the new VB-G RAM G scheme, stating that when the MGNREGA required 100 days of work, only 48% was implemented.
He highlighted that in Punjab, the AAP government has not achieved even 1% of this target.
'If you can't guarantee even 50 workdays, how can anyone trust your promise of 125 workdays?' he questioned the BJP.
Point of View
The Punjab Congress's initiative reflects a critical response to ongoing challenges in rural employment. The revival of MGNREGA is not only a matter of political contention but also a crucial step towards addressing the needs of marginalized communities. The engagement of significant political figures indicates the importance of this issue on a national level.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is MGNREGA important?
MGNREGA is crucial for providing employment, enhancing livelihoods, and improving rural infrastructure in India.
What are the recent developments regarding MGNREGA?
The Punjab Congress has launched a campaign to revive MGNREGA, criticizing the current government's approach and pushing for the restoration of this vital scheme.
Who were the key figures at the rally?
Key figures included Bhupesh Baghel , Mallikarjun Kharge , and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring , who emphasized the importance of MGNREGA for rural laborers.
What is the current status of MGNREGA in Punjab?
Currently, the AAP government in Punjab has reportedly not met even 1% of the employment guarantees under MGNREGA.
