Protests Planned Across Punjab

The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha Bharat has announced plans to burn effigies of the Modi Government on December 29 at district headquarters across Punjab. The protest comes in response to recent amendments to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which the organisation claims aim to deprive workers of employment.

The Morcha criticised the central government for stripping powers from DDPO offices and Panchayats, centralising control over work approvals, and allegedly reducing the funding for MGNREGA by nearly 40 percent.

Allegations of Centralisation and Reduced Rights

According to the Morcha, the changes:

• Reduce the scope of permissible work under MGNREGA

• Centralise approval processes, weakening local governance

• Potentially push workers into unemployment, providing cheap labour for corporate entities

In Punjab alone, approximately 11–12 lakh job cards are active, while nearly 12 crore workers nationwide rely on MGNREGA for their livelihoods.

The organisation demanded the restoration of MGNREGA to its earlier form, an increase in guaranteed work to 200 days per year, and a raise in daily wages to ₹700. They also opposed the four labour codes implemented by the central government, citing threats to workers’ rights across India.

Support from Tamil Nadu Political Leaders

Earlier, the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu protested against the renaming of MGNREGA to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act. Leaders, including Dravidar Kazhagam president K Veeramani and VCK chief MP Thol. Thirumavalavan, criticised the central government for attempting to remove Gandhi’s legacy from one of India’s most important social welfare schemes.

Veeramani emphasised, “Gandhi cannot be removed from the hearts of the people. His thoughts, principles, and sacrifices are deeply embedded in Indian society.”

Thirumavalavan accused the BJP-led Union government of undermining social justice and employment security for rural workers. He also reiterated support for the Tamil Nadu government, which condemned the move, and criticised opposition parties for remaining silent on this issue.

Key Features of the Revised Bill

• Wage Employment: Guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, up from 100 days

• Funding Pattern: Centre-to-state fund-sharing ratio of 60:40; for Northeastern, Himalayan states, and Union Territories, the ratio is 90:10

• Peak Agricultural Seasons: Section 6 allows states to notify up to 60 days per financial year covering sowing and harvesting periods

The Morcha’s planned protests highlight growing discontent among rural workers and labour organisations, aiming to ensure that MGNREGA remains a strong tool for employment and social justice in India.