New Delhi: The Congress party has levelled accusations against the central government, alleging that the MGNREGA scheme has been significantly weakened, leading to widespread work stoppages and hardship for rural labourers across the country. The party claims that while the government has effectively halted the ‘right to work’ under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a new, purportedly similar scheme has not materialized on the ground.
Congress Alleges ‘Lock’ on MGNREGA
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has effectively placed a “lock” on MGNREGA, thereby diminishing the employment opportunities for millions of labourers. He further pointed to the lack of implementation of the “much-hyped” VB-G RAM G scheme, which he noted was officially notified on December 21, 2025, implying a significant delay or absence of tangible action.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Kharge’s remarks were made in response to media reports indicating that rural workers in various states, including Bihar and Rajasthan, have reported a halt in work under MGNREGA. Some district officials have reportedly indicated that new works are not to be initiated, suggesting a discontinuation of the scheme, though formal orders to this effect have not been publicly disclosed.
Nationwide Protests and Work Stoppages Reported
Kharge highlighted specific instances of protest and lack of work, citing the ongoing demonstration by 12,000 labourers in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, for the past 87 days due to the absence of MGNREGA work. Similar reports of work stoppages for MGNREGA labourers have emerged from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, among other states. The Congress president asserted that the BJP has effectively “axed the ‘right to work’ for millions of labourers by abolishing MGNREGA.”
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Kharge also referenced a recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) concerning Maharashtra. This report allegedly found that less than 53 per cent of the approved works under MGNREGA in the state had been completed over the last five years. Furthermore, the report detailed approximately 2.5 lakh approved works that had not even commenced within the same five-year period, suggesting significant implementation challenges.
MGNREGA’s Role During Pandemic Recalled
Kharge further claimed that migrant workers, who have been compelled to return to their villages due to a shortage of essential resources like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and the struggling state of industries, are now facing a lack of employment opportunities. He drew a parallel to the COVID-19 pandemic, recalling how the UPA-era MGNREGA law provided crucial relief to millions of labourers during that challenging period. Kharge expressed dismay that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who frequently refers to the COVID period, appears to have overlooked the vital role MGNREGA played in supporting livelihoods during the pandemic.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
