MLA K Meghachandra demands restoration of MGNREGA, slams renaming of scheme
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, January 19 2026: MLA of Wangkhem Assembly Constituency and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Keisham Meghachandra has demanded the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), stating that the scheme remains the backbone of livelihood for rural job card holders.

He raised concerns over the renaming of MGNREGA, questioning whether the change was prompted by the inclusion of Mahatma Gandhi's name, and the fact that the scheme was launched during the Congress regime.

Meghachandra made the remarks while addressing a one-day village-level outreach and mass contact programme on "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram: Restore Dignity, Restore Rights", organised by the Oinam Block Congress Committee at the residence of former MLA L Radhakishor at Keinou under Oinam Assembly Constituency.

Stating that MGNREGA, launched during the Congress regime, is globally recognised as one of the most effective welfare schemes for rural livelihood security, he condemned the BJP-led government's move to rename the flagship scheme, terming it unfortunate.

Meghachandra alleged that despite India being the world's largest democracy, democratic values and people's rights are being eroded, with the BJP acting unilaterally.

Referring to the renaming of MGNREGA as Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rojgar Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), he warned that the revised funding pattern - 60 per cent by the Centre and 40 per cent by the State would adversely impact job card holders in Manipur, given the State's fragile economy.

He cautioned that this could eventually lead to a reduction in the guaranteed number of workdays.

Meghachandra further said that the new scheme would violate people's rights, as workers would be compelled to work at locations alloted by authorities, unlike earlier provisions that allowed beneficiaries to choose the work sites.

Former Oinam AC MLA L Radhakishor stated that the protest was launched against what he described as the BJP's arbitrary decision, particularly the renaming of MGNREGA.

He alleged that some state leaders are afraid of the Centre and comply unquestioningly with its directives.

Emphasising that India is a union of many states, including Manipur, Radhakishor said the nation cannot exist without states like Manipur, and therefore called upon citizens to rise and sustain agitations to safeguard democratic rights and oppose policies detrimental to the people.

The programme was also attended by Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress Committee president W Anand Singh; MPCC general secretary (administration) Soibam Jiten; general secretary (organisation) Wahidur Rahman; general secretary (protocol) W Shyamjai; Oinam Block Congress Committee president Khundongbam Kumar and other key members of the Congress party.

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