Congress calls for State-level consultation on December 29 against ‘black law’ on rural employment

The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has called for a State-level consultation to oppose what it describes as the “black law” introduced by the BJP-led NDA  government at the Centre, alleging that it weakens the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and threatens the livelihood of the rural poor.

The consultation, to be held on Monday, December 29, at 10.30 a.m. at the APCC office in Vijayawada, will bring together leaders of political parties, public organisations, labour unions, farmers’ associations, and democratic groups.  The meeting is being organised in the backdrop of the Congress party’s nationwide movement to protect rural employment and oppose the Centre’s new legislation.

Speaking on the issue, APCC vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji said the MGNREGA, “envisioned by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and implemented by the UPA government in 2005, in line with Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, provided a legal right to employment for rural families by guaranteeing at least 100 days of wage employment.

He said the Act significantly strengthened the bargaining power of the rural poor, especially landless labourers, helped raise wages, and worked towards inclusive welfare.

According to him, the new law centralises control, imposes rigid bureaucratic regulations, weakens States’ financial capacity, and amounts to an attack on constitutionally guaranteed rights, including the right to equality and the right to work.

Calling upon people from the backward classes, SC, ST, and minority communities to unite, Mr. Shivaji urged citizens to participate in the movement to protect rural livelihoods and expose the BJP’s “feudal policies.”