Congress to Launch Nationwide Protest Over Rural Jobs Law
The Congress party has announced a nationwide protest beginning January 5 to demand the repeal of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, which replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. The party said the campaign will be carried out across states and districts to mobilise rural workers and draw attention to what it describes as the dilution of a legally guaranteed employment framework.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the party will lead the agitation to defend rural employment rights and protect vulnerable households dependent on government-supported work. Senior party leaders said the earlier law provided a statutory guarantee of employment, while the new legislation weakens that assurance and alters the structure of rural job support.
Opposition Raises Concerns
Congress leaders have criticised the new Act, arguing that it reduces accountability and shifts greater responsibility to states without ensuring adequate funding. They also objected to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the employment scheme, calling it a symbolic and substantive change to a long-standing welfare programme.
The party said the law was passed without sufficient consultation and debate, and warned that it could negatively impact rural livelihoods at a time of economic stress.
Protests Planned Nationwide
According to party officials, demonstrations, marches, and public meetings will be organised nationwide as part of the campaign. The Congress said it aims to build public pressure on the government to withdraw the law and restore the previous employment guarantee system.
