Archive · 26 Dec 2025
Protests erupt over MGNREGA replacement
The BJP government is replacing the MGNREGA law, which guaranteed jobs for rural workers, with a new law called VB-G-RAM-G.
This new law reduces the central government's share of funding and increases the states' share.
The BSP, Congress, and labour unions are protesting against this change, saying it will lead to fewer jobs and financial problems for the states.
They are also protesting against the Centre's move to convene Gram Sabhas to pass resolutions in support of scrapping MGNREGA.
The Punjab Congress says the AAP government has not done a good job of providing jobs under MGNREGA and will demand a report on the government's performance.
The AAP government says the BJP is responsible for dismantling the MGNREGA scheme and is holding a special session to discuss the new law.
The protests will continue with statewide demonstrations and joint protests by various organisations.
The BJP government is replacing MGNREGA with the VB-G-RAM-G scheme, reducing the central government's share of funding from 90% to 60% and increasing the states' share from 10% to 40%.
Opposition parties, labour unions, and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) are protesting against the replacement of MGNREGA, calling it an attack on workers' rights and a burden on states.
Protests are being organised across Punjab, with labour unions burning copies of the Central government's letter asking panchayats to pass resolutions in support of scrapping MGNREGA.
The Punjab Congress is demanding a report card on the AAP government's performance in implementing MGNREGA, accusing the AAP of failing to meet job targets.
The AAP government is convening a special session to discuss the new law and has refused to organise Gram Sabhas to pass resolutions in support of the new law.
- Who
- Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Punjab Congress, AAP Government, BJP Government, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), Labour Unions
- What
- Protests and opposition to the replacement of MGNREGA with the VB-G-RAM-G scheme, and the performance of the AAP government in implementing the scheme.
- When
- December 21 (President's assent), December 25 (Congress statement), December 30 (Special session), December 28 to January 4 (Awareness Week), January 6 and 7 (Statewide Protests), January 16, 2026 (Joint Protests)
- Where
- Hisar, Haryana (BSP meeting); Punjab (Congress statement and protests); Punjab Assembly (Special session)
- Why
- To protest against the changes in MGNREGA, the AAP government's performance in providing jobs under the scheme, and the Centre's move to convene Gram Sabhas to pass resolutions in support of scrapping MGNREGA.
Opposition Parties (BSP, Congress, SKM, Labour Unions)
BJP Government
MGNREGA Replacement
Opposition Parties (BSP, Congress, SKM, Labour Unions)
The new law weakens workers' rights, reduces central funding, and places an additional burden on states, leading to fewer jobs and financial constraints.
BJP Government
The new law provides 125 days of wage employment and aims to modernize rural employment guarantees.
Gram Sabhas and Protests
Opposition Parties (BSP, Congress, SKM, Labour Unions)
Labour unions and opposition parties are protesting against the move to convene Gram Sabhas to pass resolutions in support of scrapping MGNREGA, calling it an attempt to create hostility in villages.
BJP Government
The Centre is seeking local endorsement for the new law through Gram Sabhas, aiming to gain support for the replacement of MGNREGA.
AAP Government's Performance
Opposition Parties (BSP, Congress, SKM, Labour Unions)
The AAP government has failed to meet even 50% of the MGNREGA job targets and has a poor record on welfare schemes.
BJP Government
The AAP government has accused the BJP of dismantling the MGNREGA scheme and is convening a special session to discuss the new law.
- Act
- Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025
- Repealed Act
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
- Centre's Share
- 60%
- States' Share
- 40%
- Previous Centre's Share
- 90%
- Previous States' Share
- 10%
- Meeting Location
- Kumhar Dharamshala, Hisar
- Meeting Chairs
- Krishna Jamalpur, Jagdish Chander
- Chief Guest
- Dr Meghraj
- Special Session Date
- December 30
- Awareness Week
- December 28 to January 4
- Statewide Protests
- January 6 and 7
- Joint Protests
- January 16, 2026
Sources
BJP government weakening workers’ rights by changing MGNREGA: BSP
VB-GRAM-G Survey Begins from December 26
Punjab Congress will fight for restoration of MGNREGA: Warring
Officials Are Making Arrangements To Take Up Works Under The VB-G Ram G Scheme From December 26 To 31.
Labour codes must look at the invisible workers
Recalibrating MGNREGA
G RAM G propagation: Punjab defies Centre diktat, won’t hold gram sabhas today
Instead of Gram Sabhas, Punjab villages witness protests against move to replace MGNREGA
SubscriberWrites: From Guarantee to Transformation
Will G RAM G push farm workers towards industry and improve export competitiveness?
