Jharkhand opposes any dilution of MGNREGA, seeks 150 days of work

Jharkhand Rural Development, Rural Works and Panchayati Raj Minister Dipika Pandey Singh on Wednesday said the state would oppose any move to dilute the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Speaking in the Assembly, the minister raised concerns over the proposed Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-GRAM-G), stating that it could weaken the rights-based nature of MGNREGA and affect rural livelihoods.

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“MGNREGA is not just a scheme but a guarantee of livelihood, dignity and security for crores of rural families,” she said, adding that any attempt to alter or replace it without consultation with states would go against democratic principles.

The minister said the proposed framework could weaken the legal guarantee of employment, affect wage security and continuity of work, and dilute the role of Gram Sabhas. She also expressed concern that it may impose additional financial burden on states and impact vulnerable sections, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other marginalised communities.

Highlighting the scheme’s impact, Dipika Pandey Singh said MGNREGA has played a key role in reducing poverty, empowering women, and checking distress migration in rural areas.

She urged the Centre to retain the demand-driven structure of the Act and strengthen it by increasing the guaranteed employment from 100 days to at least 150 days.

“Any attack on MGNREGA is a direct assault on the rights and dignity of the poor. Jharkhand will not accept it at any cost,” she said.

The state government, she added, remains committed to protecting the rights of rural workers and will raise the issue at appropriate forums if required.