Protests in Telangana on Dec 27, 28 opposing move to replace MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G: Minister Seethakka

Telangana Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister, Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka), on Monday (December 22, 2025) said it was the collective responsibility of the people to protect the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), terming it a lifeline for crores of poor families across the country. She also added that protest rallies would also be organised in villages across the State with the participation of newly elected sarpanches and ward members on December 27 or 28.

Addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad along with Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Koppula Raju, the Minister said the Congress would strongly oppose the proposed Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika (Gramin) Mission (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which seeks to replace MGNREGA. She announced that resolutions would be passed in villages opposing the move and sent to the Centre.

“If the Employment Guarantee Act is repealed, there will be no work for labourers in villages, forcing them to migrate and work for corporate entities at low wages,” she alleged.

Accusing the BJP led Centre of undermining the scheme, the Minister said removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the Employment Guarantee Act was “regrettable” and amounted to an attempt to erase the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Recalling the origins of the scheme, Koppula Raju said the Employment Guarantee Act was notified in September 2005 and launched on February 2, 2006, in Anantapur. He said the law was implemented strictly during the tenure of the then Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, ensuring assured employment and wages for rural households.