Kharge Slams Modi Government Over MGNREGA Budget Cuts
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes the Modi government for capping Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) spending at 60% for the first half of 2025-26. Kharge argues that this action undermines the Right to Work and adversely affects the poor. He demands increased wages and employment days.
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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, accusing it of seeking to dismantle the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA). Kharge's comments came after financial caps were placed on the scheme for the fiscal year 2025-26, limiting its budget to 60% for the first half.
MGNREGA, vital for offering employment to rural communities, must not be jeopardized, argued Kharge. Targeting the Modi government, he questioned whether the decision was aimed at withholding Rs 25,000 crore from the impoverished, paralleling a time when demand is surging due to adverse conditions. Only 7% of families reportedly received the promised 100 days of work last year.
Kharge challenged the government's priorities, citing that nearly 7 crore workers were excluded due to AADHAAR-based payment restrictions. He insists on improving conditions for MGNREGA workers with a minimum wage of Rs 400 and employment guaranteed for at least 150 days annually. The Congress party vows to oppose these spending cuts.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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