The protest was led by PPCC president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Mohali district Congress president Kamal Kishore Sharma, with large participation from Congress workers across the Mohali district. (Photo: X/Punjab Congress)
The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) Sunday staged a protest at City Heart Market, Kharar, against the Central government’s move to rename and amend the MGNREGA scheme, terming it an attack on the livelihood of the poor. As part of the demonstration, Congress leaders and workers burnt an effigy of the Centre and raised slogans against the BJP-led government.
Addressing the gathering, Warring said, “Congress is holding district-level protests across the country today to save MGNREGA. This law was enacted 20 years ago under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh, guaranteeing 100 days of employment to the poor. It played a crucial role in sustaining families, especially during the Covid pandemic.”
He alleged that the Centre was deliberately weakening the scheme. “Earlier, employment was demand-driven. Now Delhi decides the budget ceiling. Punjab may need Rs 10,000 crore, but the Centre sanctions only Rs 5,000 crore and then refuses further funds,” he said, criticising the 40 per cent state contribution, calling it unjust when states already pay taxes and GST.
Citing official data, Warring said that in Ludhiana, out of 1.30 lakh MGNREGA job card holders, only 54,000 families got work last year, and merely 12 families completed 100 days of employment, as per the DC’s report. He also opposed the shift to biometric attendance through mobile apps, warning that it would exclude poor workers, similar to issues faced earlier with fingerprint-based ration distribution.
Warning of intensified agitation, he said, “If this continues, Congress will gherao BJP leaders’ homes and offices, and launch a statewide movement like the farmers’ agitation. BJP is extinguishing the hearth fires of Punjab’s poor, and Congress will fight this battle with full force.”
He also urged the Punjab Chief Minister to raise the issue in Delhi and ensure adequate budgetary provisions to protect MGNREGA workers’ livelihoods.
Caption: PPCC president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring addresses people during the protest at City Heart Market, Kharar, on Sunday.