The Punjab Legislative Assembly convened a special session on Tuesday to oppose what the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has termed an alleged conspiracy by the Narendra Modi-led central government to weaken or dismantle the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). AAP leader Anurag Dhanda said the session reflects Punjab’s strong stand in defence of rural workers and their right to employment.
Punjab Assembly Convenes Special Session Against Alleged Move to Weaken MGNREGA
Taking to social media, Anurag Dhanda stated that legislators reached the Assembly carrying thousands of protest letters submitted by MGNREGA workers from their respective constituencies. According to him, these letters highlight the growing anger and anxiety among rural labourers over delays in payments, reduced work days, and shrinking allocations under the flagship rural employment scheme.
Dhanda accused the central government of deliberately targeting MGNREGA, calling it a “conspiracy against poor workers.” He said the scheme has been a lifeline for millions of rural families, especially during times of economic stress, and any attempt to weaken it would directly hurt the poorest sections of society. “AAP is opposing with full strength the Prime Minister’s alleged move against poor labourers,” he said.
AAP leadership in Punjab reiterated that MGNREGA is not just a welfare scheme
The AAP leadership in Punjab reiterated that MGNREGA is not just a welfare scheme but a legal guarantee of employment that safeguards rural dignity and economic security. Party leaders argued that weakening the programme would increase unemployment, migration, and distress in villages.
During the special session, the ruling party is expected to raise the issue formally in the House, demand adequate central funding, timely wage payments, and uninterrupted implementation of MGNREGA in Punjab. The session also aims to send a strong political message to the Centre that Punjab stands united with its rural workforce.
The issue of MGNREGA funding and implementation has remained a major political flashpoint nationwide, with several opposition-ruled states alleging discrimination by the Centre. Punjab’s special Assembly session adds to the growing debate on the future of rural employment and welfare policies in India.
