MGNREGA Overhaul an “Anti-People Move”, Says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Union government after the Lok Sabha passed the bill seeking to overhaul the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), calling it an “anti-people move” that undermines the rights of rural workers and farmers.

“The Sangh Parivar-controlled Union government is openly challenging the country’s farmers and agricultural labourers,” the Chief Minister said, alleging that the proposed changes dilute both the spirit and structure of MGNREGA. He argued that altering the scheme’s name and framework reflects an ideological agenda that even seeks to erase Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy from public policy.

He also criticised the Centre for, what he described as, “evading its constitutional responsibility” to provide employment and shifting the financial burden onto state governments. According to him, the bill would impose significant additional financial stress on states already struggling with constrained resources.

One of the most alarming provisions, the Chief Minister noted, allows the scheme to be suspended for up to 60 days during peak agricultural seasons. The Kerala Chief Minister pointed out that the Union government refused demands from opposition parties to refer the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee or a Select Committee for wider consultation. He added that even concerns raised by NDA’s own allies were brushed aside.

Since coming to power, he alleged, the NDA government has consistently reduced budgetary allocations for MGNREGA and introduced administrative hurdles aimed at weakening the scheme. “What we are witnessing now is a clear attempt to dismantle the program altogether,” he said.

Recalling the origins of MGNREGA, he said the landmark employment guarantee law became a reality during the first UPA government only due to sustained pressure from the Left parties. He added that the Congress, which initially showed reluctance, must now abandon any ambiguity and take a firm stand against the Centre’s move.