New Delhi, December 23: The Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) has alleged that the Central Government is systematically weakening the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) by changing its fundamental structure. KMSC leader Satnam Singh Pannu said the scheme, which was designed to provide guaranteed employment and livelihood security to rural families, is being diverted from its original intent.

According to Pannu, MGNREGA was introduced in 2005 as a rights-based legislation that ensured employment as a legal entitlement for rural households. However, recent administrative and policy-level changes have reduced its effectiveness and altered its core framework. Referring to government statistics, he pointed out that nearly 26 crore job cards have been issued nationwide, covering around 12 crore beneficiaries. In Punjab, approximately 20 lakh job cards have been issued, with more than 11 lakh workers actively engaged under the scheme.

Pannu cautioned that any dilution of MGNREGA would have far-reaching consequences for rural labourers and economically weaker sections who rely heavily on the scheme for survival. He urged the government to safeguard the original spirit of MGNREGA and ensure that it continues to function as a rights-based welfare programme.