Widespread protest held across Imphal demanding withdrawal of VB-G RAM G Act
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 11 2026: Widespread protest demonstrations were held across the Imphal on Sunday demanding the withdrawal of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)(VB-G RAM G) Act, and restoration oftheMahatmaGandhiNational Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

In Imphal East district, the Imphal East District Congress Committee (IEDCC) staged a protest demonstration at Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai under the banner of "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram Restore MGNREGA, Restore Dignity, Restore Rights".

The protest demonstration was participated by a large number of locals, members and leaders of the congress party, including PCC member Seram Neken, IEDCC working president Longjam Kumar, Thongju Block Congress Committee working president Salam Ibohal and Md Amin Shah, former MLA of Kshetrigao AC.

In Imphal West district, the Imphal West-II District Congress Committee staged a protest demonstration at the residence of Khumujam Ratankumar, ex-MLA of Mayang Imphal AC in Mayang Imphal.

The protest held under the banner of "Restore MGNREGA, Restore Dignity, Restore Rights", was participated by MPCC vice president Loitongbam Tilotama Devi, MPCC general secretary Soraisham Manoton Singh, Imphal West-II District Congress Committee president Thoudam Modhu Singh, Mayang Imphal Block Congress Committee president Thokchom Rajmohon Meitei and other members of the congress party.

Moreover, the Communist Party of India (M) and its mass fronts in Manipur- Manipur Loumee Marup, CITU & AMDWA, has launched a campaign against the Central Government's recent actions the Central Government's move to repeal the MGNREGA and replace it with the new VB-G RAM G Act.

Today, members of CPI (M) and its mass fronts led by CPI (M) Manipur secretary Kshetrimayum Shanta, Manipur Loumee Marup secretary Sarat Salam, CPI (M) Patsoi Local Committee secretary N Nabakumar and Manipur Loumee Marup joint secretary Thongam Jiten carried out the campaign at Patsoi Part-II area.

Speaking to the media at the protest demonstrations, the protesters expressed their concern about the new VB-GRAM G Act, which replaces the MGNREGA law, arguing that this change transforms a rights-based law into a discretionary scheme.

They also opposed the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the scheme, calling it a "fascist ideological act" and an insult to the "Father of the Nation" .

The protesters criticized the new law for shifting a 40% financial burden to State Governments, which they believe will place an unsustainable financial burden on State Governments, many of which are already under fiscal stress.

The protesters further demanded the immediate withdrawal of the VB-G RAM G Act, the restoration of MGNREGA in its original form as a rights-based law, and the strengthening of the scheme to provide a minimum wage of Rs 700 per day and 200 days of guaranteed work.

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