Congress Launches Nationwide Campaign Against New Employment Law

The Indian National Congress launched a nationwide Save MGNREGA Campaign on February 2, 2026, to protest the Government of India's replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G). The new legislation, which received presidential assent in December 2025, increases the statutory employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days per household. However, opposition leaders argue this is a superficial increase that dilutes legal entitlements and eliminates work availability during peak agricultural months.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described the original law as a constitutional right and a lifeline for millions, while General Secretary Jairam Ramesh labeled the new act a flaw. Ramesh claimed the new law replaces a demand-driven system with a centralized budget-based model that sidelines local gram panchayats and increases the financial burden on state governments from 10% to 40% of costs.

Protests have manifested in regional initiatives, including the Upaadi Haami Parirakshana Yatra launched by Y.S. Sharmila Reddy in Bandlapalle, the original site of MGNREGA's launch. In Tiruchi, party workers submitted a memorandum to District Collector V. Saravanan demanding the withdrawal of the new act, a minimum daily wage of ₹400, and an increase in guaranteed employment to 150 days.