Sachin Pilot Criticizes Changes to MGNREGS, Calls it an Assault on Rural India’s Economic Security

AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot criticized the Union government for altering the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), stating it jeopardizes the economic security of rural India. Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Pilot described the government’s actions as a “historic blunder.” He emphasized that renaming a scheme after Mahatma Gandhi, only to later change it, directly impacts rural India’s economic stability. MGNREGS, a Congress government initiative, ensured employment rights for the most impoverished by offering 100 days of work annually to a member of each rural poor family. Pilot highlighted the scheme’s crucial role as a safety net during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic. He criticized the government for unilaterally altering the scheme without parliamentary discussion or state consultations, shifting it from a locally managed to a centrally controlled program. Additionally, Pilot noted the increased financial burden on state governments due to changes in funding ratios. He pointed out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contradictory stance on MGNREGS, allocating funds while labeling it a “historic mistake.” Pilot condemned the government’s modifications to the scheme, asserting that it undermines its global recognition and imposes additional hardships on rural communities. He urged nationwide opposition to these changes and vowed to pressure the Centre for their withdrawal. Pilot also raised concerns about the misuse of investigative agencies to target opposition leaders. Notably, the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, received presidential assent. The new bill enhances employment guarantees to 125 days per year for rural households, aiming to promote empowerment, inclusive growth, and self-reliance in rural India. It eliminates previous disqualification clauses and reinstates unemployment benefits if work is not provided within the specified timeframe.