Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a strong attack on the Centre’s decision to modify MGNREGA, calling the VB-G RAM G scheme a direct blow to the lives of the poor. He said the BJP government is not just dropping Mahatma Gandhi’s name but is also dismantling the spirit of the programme. Mann warned that the move puts the livelihood of millions at risk and alleged it is guided by political intent rather than genuine concern for public welfare.
Special Assembly Session Announced
The Chief Minister announced that a special session of the Punjab Assembly will be held in the second week of January. He said the session will firmly project the voice of Punjabis against the Centre’s move. The decision was taken after a high-level meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party, which was also attended by Arvind Kejriwal. Mann asserted that Punjab will not stay silent when the interests of the poor are under threat.
Jibe At Politics Of Renaming
Addressing a press conference, Mann took a sharp swipe at the Centre’s priorities. He said the BJP government appears more focused on renaming railway stations and cities. In a sarcastic tone, he remarked that one day even the country’s name might be changed. Mann said renaming places does not improve people’s lives and that real progress comes only through meaningful work and policies.
Controversial Changes In New Law
The VB-G RAM G Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha after nearly 14 hours of debate. The new law raises the guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125. However, opposition parties argue that this increase exists only on paper. Earlier, the Centre funded the scheme entirely, but it will now contribute only 60 percent, shifting the remaining 40 percent burden onto the states.
Aam Aadmi Party Attacks Centre
AAP spokesperson Neel Garg termed the bill a “carefully planned deception.” He said the Modi government has confused the poor with slogans while quietly weakening job guarantees. Garg alleged that the changes reflect an anti-worker agenda and claimed that television debates are being used to divert attention from the real impact of the law.
Risks Under New Rules
The new bill replaces demand-based budgeting with normative funding. This allows the Centre to determine state budgets at its own discretion. A 60-day “no work period” has also been introduced. Employment will be available only in areas notified by the Centre. Experts caution that these provisions could effectively dilute the legal guarantee of employment.
Protests And Political Unity Across Punjab
Labour unions have started protests in several parts of Punjab. Effigies of the Centre were burned in Bathinda, Moga, Muktsar, and Sangrur. Farmer and labour leaders described the move as an attack on the last safety net for the poor. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and several other chief ministers have also opposed the decision, raising serious concerns over the future of MGNREGA.
