Mass protests are currently underway across India in response to the central government’s recent overhaul of the flagship rural employment scheme, which involved renaming and restructuring the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The government has introduced new legislation, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, which has led to protests by opposition parties and trade unions.
Key changes in the new act compared to the original MGNREGA include the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name, a shift from a legal “right to work” to a mission-based scheme, and a requirement for states to cover up to 40% of costs. Critics argue these changes weaken the legal guarantee of employment and place a financial burden on states. There are also changes to work guarantee days and provisions for pausing work, which critics argue are either cosmetic or detrimental to workers. The new act also grants greater central control and digital monitoring, reducing the role of Gram Panchayats.
Protests are being led by parties like Congress and the Left, occurring in various locations across India. The legislation also faced significant opposition in Parliament. Protesters are demanding the withdrawal of the new law.
The government asserts the changes aim for improved efficiency, transparency through digital monitoring, and better alignment with infrastructure needs.