IEDCC launches 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 10 2026: The Imphal East District Congress Committee (IEDCC) on Saturday launched the "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram" campaign to protect the livelihoods and rights of rural communities in Manipur.

Addressing a press conference at Singjamei Wangma Torban Kshetri Leikai, MPCC general secretary (organisation) Wahidur Rahaman said that the IEDCC will be organising widespread demonstrations across four Assembly Constituencies (Keirao, Thongju, Kshetrigao & Andro) under the banner "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram" demanding immediate withdrawal and repeal of the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025.He informed that the agitation demanding the restoration of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as a rights-based law in its original form, the right to work, and the authority of panchayats, will continue till January 26.He mentioned that by replacing MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G, the Central Government has insulted Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.

He lamented that the Central Government has not only changed the name, but also made significant changes in the provisions of the Act, thereby diluting the Act and the right to work it guarantees to the rural population.

He also stated that the new legislation will significantly strain the finances of fiscally weaker states like Manipur, as the new law shifts more fiscal responsibility (potentially requiring States to fund 40% of costs) and dilutes guarantees, increasing their burden for rural employment schemes.

"The reallocation of risk from the Central Government to States, which already rely heavily on central transfers, severely impacts their budgets and ability to provide livelihood security, undermining the core purpose of rural job security", said Wahidur.

IEDCC president Hanjabam Jayadev Sharma and other members of the committee were also present at the press conference.

Comment