13 January 2026 Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Thursday announced the launch of a statewide agitation titled “Save MGNREGA Movement”, which will be carried out from January 10 to February 25 across every village in Gujarat.
Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, GPCC President Amit Chavda said that protest resolutions would be passed through Gram Sabhas in all villages, while sit-ins, demonstrations, submission of memoranda at the taluka and district levels, and an aggressive ‘Assembly Gherao’ programme would also be organised during the campaign.
Chavda strongly criticised the BJP government, alleging that removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from MGNREGA is a direct attack on the ideals of the Father of the Nation and the legal rights of the poor.
“By trying to convert MGNREGA from a rights-based law into a mere scheme, the BJP government is committing the sin of snatching away the poor’s constitutional and legal entitlements. Congress will intensify its struggle by gheraoing the Assembly,” he said.
Chavda said that if the government genuinely wants reforms, it should increase minimum wages for MGNREGA workers, instead of curtailing their rights and attempting to centralise decision-making by weakening Panchayati Raj institutions.
He alleged that the Centre has changed the budget-sharing ratio from 90:10 to 60:40, thereby shifting the financial burden onto states and effectively “strangling a pro-poor law.”
Highlighting the significance of MGNREGA, Chavda said the Act, introduced by the Congress, is a demand-driven, legal entitlement that guarantees employment within 15 days of application, failing which unemployment allowance must be paid.
He noted that MGNREGA aimed to boost rural employment, strengthen village infrastructure, prevent distress migration to cities, and empower Gram Sabhas and Panchayats by allowing them to decide local development works.
Chavda recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–21), nearly 7.2 crore families received 100 days of employment under MGNREGA, helping millions survive the crisis. He added that the World Bank has recognised MGNREGA as the world’s largest employment programme, with studies showing a 14 per cent rise in rural incomes and 26 per cent of beneficiaries moving above the poverty line.
Chavda accused the BJP government of systematically diluting MGNREGA since 2014, curbing the powers of Gram Sabhas and Panchayats, and promoting centralisation. He also criticised provisions such as denying work during 60 days of the agricultural season, calling them anti-worker.
He further pointed out that while the government talks about providing 125 days of employment, actual data shows an average of only 42 to 46 days of work being provided in recent years.
Announcing the agitation programme, Chavda said that during the campaign period, Congress will expose alleged corruption and misuse of funds involving BJP leaders and ministers’ families. He asserted that the party would fight aggressively to protect the rights of SC, ST, OBC communities, women and landless labourers.
“Congress will not allow the BJP’s agenda to succeed. The agitation will continue until MGNREGA is restored to its original, rights-based form,” he said.
The press conference was attended by GPCC Chief Spokesperson and Media Convener Dr Manish Doshi, Media Co-convener and Spokesperson Hemang Raval, and spokespersons Dr Hiren Banker, Dr Amit Nayak and Dr Parthivraj Kathwadiya.
