G RAM G Dilutes MGNREGA’s Spirit, Will Trigger Public Backlash: Kharge

Kalaburagi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday urged the Centre to immediately roll back VB–G RAM G, alleging that it amounted to a systematic dilution of the intent and spirit of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Warning of public backlash, he said the move could meet the same fate as the now-repealed farm laws, which were withdrawn following sustained protests by farmers and the public.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for various development works at Jewargi in Kalaburagi district, Kharge called upon people to raise their voice and be prepared to “fight” to protect the rights of the poor.

Kharge described MGNREGA as a lifeline for rural families, recalling that it was introduced by the UPA under Sonia Gandhi and implemented by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to ensure employment and food security.

“Today, the stomachs of the poor are being hit by the Modi government,” he alleged.

Expressing anguish over the replacement of MGNREGA with G RAM G, Kharge said the new framework was aimed at diluting the rights and entitlements of the poor. “This is wrong,” he said, adding that Congress’ guarantee schemes were rooted in the Constitution and the Directive Principles laid down by Dr BR Ambedkar.

“Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh brought landmark legislations such as NREGA, the Food Security Act, the Right to Education and health programmes. These empowered people and strengthened the poor. Now, whatever is possible is being taken away,” he alleged.

Kharge also criticised the revised funding pattern under G RAM G, saying the Centre had reduced its share from 90 percent to 60 percent, pushing the remaining burden onto State governments. “Earlier, the Centre bore 90 percent of the cost and the State 10 percent. Now States are forced to contribute 40 percent. Which system was better?” he asked.

He further alleged that the Centre was eroding the autonomy of Panchayats by centrally dictating the nature of works to be taken up. “Earlier, Panchayats decided whether wells, schools or community halls were needed. That was their right. Now directions come from Delhi. Is this acceptable?” he questioned.

Drawing a parallel with the farm laws, Kharge said the Centre had ignored widespread opposition until protests intensified and lives were lost. “We had opposed it but the central government neglected it. Later there was opposition from the MPs and farmers. Seven hundred people died. The central government then repealed the farm laws. A similar situation will arise with MGNREGA if this continues. The Centre should withdraw these changes immediately and restore as it existed earlier,” he warned.

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kharge said governance should focus on work rather than symbolism. Citing Basavanna’s philosophy of ‘Kayakave Kailasa’ (work is worship), he criticised what he described as temple-centric politics driven by electoral considerations in poll-bound States.

Kharge also accused the Centre of encouraging divisions among communities and cautioned that unless people united, both welfare legislations and the Constitution would be under threat.

“MGNREGA must be restored, and G RAM G should bid farewell,” he said.

In another program held at Sedam too, Kharge demanded the repeal of G RAM G.