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23 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Polity & GovernanceEconomySocial IssuesNEWS

Kharge: Centre's Actions on MGNREGA Pave Way for Bonded Labour

Kharge accuses Centre of paving way for bonded labour by weakening MGNREGA.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Union government of paving the way for “bonded labour” by allegedly scrapping the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Addressing a national convention of MGNREGA workers, he and Rahul Gandhi pledged to fight until the UPA-era scheme is restored in its original form. Kharge said that by withdrawing MGNREGA, the Centre had left workers at the mercy of the wealthy, forcing them to accept “whatever meagre amount” is offered for their work.

Rahul Gandhi said scrapping MGNREGA was an attack on the Constitution, similar to demonetisation, the GST rollout, and the introduction of the “three black farm laws”. He criticized the centralized framework of the new Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, saying it enabled discrimination against Opposition-ruled States.

Key Facts

1.

Kharge accuses Centre of paving way for bonded labour

2.

Accusation due to alleged scrapping of MGNREGA

3.

Rahul Gandhi calls it attack on Constitution

4.

Criticism of Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar Act

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

2.

Connects to syllabus areas of poverty, employment, rural development, and federalism.

3.

Potential question types: Analytical questions on the impact of MGNREGA, critical evaluation of recent changes, and comparative analysis with other employment schemes.

Visual Insights

More Information

Background

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has its roots in earlier employment guarantee schemes, particularly the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) of Maharashtra, which began in 1972. The success of the EGS demonstrated the potential of providing rural employment as a means of poverty alleviation and rural development. The National Food for Work Programme, launched in 2004, served as a precursor to MGNREGA.

The Act was finally passed in 2005, aiming to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The Act is based on the principle of 'right to work' and is a demand-driven scheme, meaning employment is provided based on demand from rural households.

Latest Developments

In recent years, MGNREGA has faced challenges related to funding delays and reduced budgetary allocations. There have been debates regarding the effectiveness of the scheme in creating durable assets and its impact on agricultural labor availability. The government has been emphasizing convergence of MGNREGA with other schemes to enhance its impact.

The implementation of the scheme has also been affected by issues such as corruption and lack of awareness among beneficiaries. The future outlook involves strengthening the monitoring mechanisms, promoting transparency, and focusing on skill development to enhance the employability of MGNREGA workers. The Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, mentioned in the news, signifies a shift towards a more centralized and potentially targeted approach to rural employment, raising concerns about equitable distribution and state autonomy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the central accusation made by Mallikarjun Kharge regarding MGNREGA, and what is the context?

Mallikarjun Kharge accuses the Union government of paving the way for “bonded labour” by allegedly weakening the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This accusation arises from concerns about reduced budgetary allocations and changes to the scheme's implementation.

2. According to Rahul Gandhi, what other government actions are similar to the alleged weakening of MGNREGA, and why?

Rahul Gandhi equates the alleged weakening of MGNREGA to demonetisation, the GST rollout, and the introduction of the “three black farm laws,” arguing that all these actions are an attack on the Constitution.

3. What is MGNREGA, and why is it considered important for rural development?

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aims to provide a legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to rural households whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. It's important because it provides a safety net for rural populations, reduces poverty, and can lead to rural development through asset creation.

4. What is 'bonded labour', and how does the alleged weakening of MGNREGA potentially lead to it?

Bonded labour is a form of forced labour where individuals are compelled to work to repay a debt or obligation. The accusation is that weakening MGNREGA leaves workers with fewer options for employment, making them more vulnerable to accepting exploitative work conditions and low wages, effectively pushing them towards bonded labour.

5. What are the potential pros and cons of MGNREGA?

MGNREGA's pros include providing employment, reducing poverty, and creating rural infrastructure. Cons include potential for corruption, delays in wage payments, and concerns about the quality of assets created.

6. What reforms might be needed to improve the effectiveness of MGNREGA?

Reforms could focus on ensuring timely wage payments, reducing corruption, improving the quality of assets created, and better convergence with other rural development programs. Skill development initiatives can also be integrated to enhance long-term employability.

7. What is the historical background of MGNREGA?

MGNREGA has its roots in earlier employment guarantee schemes, particularly the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) of Maharashtra, which began in 1972. The success of the EGS demonstrated the potential of providing rural employment as a means of poverty alleviation and rural development.

8. What are some key facts about MGNREGA that are important for the Prelims exam?

For Prelims, remember that MGNREGA aims to provide 100 days of wage employment to rural households. Also, be aware of the recent debates regarding its funding and implementation. Focus on the scheme's objectives and impact.

9. What is the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, and why is it being criticized?

Based on available information, the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act is being criticized for its centralized framework, which some argue undermines the original intent and decentralized nature of MGNREGA.

10. How do funding delays impact MGNREGA, and what are the potential consequences for beneficiaries?

Funding delays can severely impact MGNREGA by delaying wage payments to workers. This can lead to financial hardship for beneficiaries, reduced participation in the scheme, and a loss of confidence in the program's effectiveness.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): 1. It legally mandates 150 days of wage employment to rural households. 2. The Act aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas. 3. MGNREGA is a demand-driven scheme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. MGNREGA legally mandates 100 days of wage employment, not 150. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as the Act aims to enhance livelihood security and is demand-driven.

2. With reference to the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, consider the following statements: 1. It aims to decentralize the rural employment guarantee scheme. 2. It is designed to prevent discrimination against Opposition-ruled States. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.Both 1 and 2
  • D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer

Answer: C

Both statements are incorrect. The Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act is criticized for its centralized framework, and there are concerns that it enables discrimination against Opposition-ruled States.

3. The Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS), which served as a precursor to MGNREGA, was first implemented in which of the following states?

  • A.Uttar Pradesh
  • B.Maharashtra
  • C.Kerala
  • D.West Bengal
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) was first implemented in Maharashtra in 1972 and served as a model for MGNREGA.

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