Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government accused the BJP-led Centre of dismantling a rights-based welfare programme that has served as a crucial safety net for the rural poor. The Centre, however, hit back sharply, terming the move “politically motivated” and a violation of federal norms, while alleging large-scale corruption in Punjab’s implementation of MGNREGA.
Key Changes in the New Law and Punjab’s Objections The VB-G RAM G Act, passed by Parliament on December 19 and assented by President Droupadi Murmu on December 21, increases the guaranteed wage employment days from 100 to 125 per year for rural households. However, critics in Punjab argue it dilutes the scheme’s core strength by Shifting the funding ratio, requiring states to bear 40% of costs (up from 10% under MGNREGA), imposing an estimated additional annual burden of 600 crore on Punjab and Moving away from a fully demand-driven, rights-based entitlement to a more capped framework, potentially limiting access for below-poverty-line families, Dalits, women, and rural labourers.
Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, who tabled the resolution, described the changes as “anti-poor” and warned they would severely impact millions dependent on the scheme for survival. The resolution demanded restoration of MGNREGA in its original form and called the new Act a “stab in the back” for the rural poor.
Meanwhile, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh...
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