Archive · 24 Sep 2026
SKM Flags Rural Workday Drop, Demands MGNREGA Restoration
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha says rural workers received fewer days of government-supported work this year.
It compared workdays recorded under MGNREGA and the newer VB-G RAM G Act.
According to the SKM, MGNREGA provided 29.77 crore person-days in July-August 2025.
The corresponding period under VB-G RAM G recorded 20.21 crore person-days, a difference of 9.56 crore.
The group says this was a decline of about 28.51 per cent.
It identified Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha as states with especially low workday totals.
The SKM wants MGNREGA restored and expanded to guarantee 200 days of work.
It also wants workers to receive Rs 700 per day.
The group plans to meet agricultural workers’ unions on September 25 and resume a farmers’ struggle from November 26.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha alleged that rural employment fell by 9.56 crore person-days in July-August.
It cited 29.77 crore person-days under MGNREGA against 20.21 crore under the VB-G RAM G Act.
The SKM said the figures represented a decline of around 28.51 per cent.
Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha were identified as having among the lowest workday totals, with Rajasthan recording a decline of more than 52 per cent in July.
The group demanded restoration of MGNREGA, a 200-day guarantee and daily wages of Rs 700, and announced further mobilization.
- Who
- The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the Platform of Agricultural Workers’ Unions and independent agricultural workers’ unions.
- What
- The SKM alleged a 9.56-crore decline in rural employment person-days and demanded restoration and expansion of MGNREGA.
- When
- The comparison covers July-August; the statement was reported on September 23. A coordination meeting is scheduled for September 25, with a wider farmers’ struggle announced for November 26.
- Where
- The reported data covers rural India, while the coordination meeting is scheduled at Harkishan Singh Surjeet Bhawan in New Delhi.
- Why
- The SKM said the transition to the VB-G RAM G Act reduced rural work opportunities and harmed poor households.
- Reported decline
- 9.56 crore person-days
- MGNREGA workdays
- 29.77 crore in July-August 2025
- VB-G RAM G workdays
- 20.21 crore in the corresponding period
- Reported percentage decline
- Around 28.51 per cent
- SKM wage demand
- Rs 700 per day
- Requested employment guarantee
- 200 days
- Coordination meeting
- September 25 at 3 pm, Harkishan Singh Surjeet Bhawan, New Delhi
