Archive · 3 Jan 2026
CITU and Telangana Protest MNREGA Changes
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Telangana Assembly are protesting changes to the MGNREGA scheme.
The CITU has announced a nationwide strike on February 12 because the new rules shift 40% of the wage burden to the states, which could cause funding problems.
They also oppose new labour codes that they say will reduce workers' rights.
The Telangana Assembly passed a resolution asking the central government to restore the old MGNREGA scheme.
They say the new law will hurt women, who make up 62% of the beneficiaries, and will reduce the number of workdays.
The resolution also criticizes the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name and the mandatory 60-day break during the agricultural season, which they say will harm landless labourers.
Both the CITU and the Telangana government believe these changes will cause hardship to the poor and undermine the scheme's spirit.
CITU announces nationwide strike on February 12 against MNREGA changes and new labour codes.
Changes to MNREGA shift 40% of wage burden to states, raising concerns about funding shortages.
Telangana Assembly passes resolution urging the Centre to restore the old MGNREGA scheme.
New law criticized for reducing workdays, harming women, and removing labour-intensive works beneficial to small farmers and marginalized communities.
Resolution highlights the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name and the mandatory 60-day break as detrimental to the scheme's spirit and landless labourers.
- Who
- CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions), Telangana Assembly, and various state representatives
- What
- Nationwide strike announced and resolution passed against changes to MGNREGA and new labour codes
- When
- February 12 (strike), Friday (resolution)
- Where
- Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad, with nationwide implications
- Why
- Protest against changes to MGNREGA funding, new labour codes, and the introduction of the VB G RAM G Act that allegedly curtail workers' rights and harm the rural poor
CITU and Telangana Government
Central Government
Funding Burden
CITU and Telangana Government
The 40% wage burden shift to states is unfair and could lead to funding shortages, halting the scheme.
Central Government
The new funding ratio aims to share the financial responsibility between the Centre and states.
Women's Empowerment
CITU and Telangana Government
The new law reduces workdays, causing hardship to women in poor families and undermining their empowerment.
Central Government
The new scheme aims to provide diverse employment opportunities, potentially benefiting women in the long term.
Scheme's Spirit
CITU and Telangana Government
Removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and introducing a 60-day break during the agricultural season dilutes the scheme's spirit and harms landless labourers.
Central Government
The new scheme aims to modernize and expand employment opportunities beyond the traditional scope of MGNREGA.
- Organization
- CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions) and Telangana Assembly
- Strike Date
- February 12
- Issue
- Changes to MGNREGA and introduction of VB G RAM G Act
- Funding Change
- 40% wage burden shifted to states
- Conference
- 18th All India CITU conference
- Location
- Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad
- Spokesperson
- Tapan Sen (CITU) and A. Revanth Reddy (Telangana CM)
- Additional Issue
- New labour codes and removal of labour-intensive works
