Panchkula, June 29

In a statement issued on Monday, Senior Congress leader, Member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Sirsa MP and former union Minister Kumari Selja said that if the new system weakens the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), increases the financial burden on states, or adversely affects the rights and livelihood of rural workers, the government must immediately reconsider its decision.

Sejla has expressed serious concern over the Centre's proposed new rural employment framework, scheduled to come into effect from July 1.

She said that any new rural employment mechanism should strengthen, rather than dilute, the rights and social security of rural workers. "The objective of any reform should be to enhance the welfare of the poor, not weaken the protections available to them."

In the statement, Selja said MGNREGA has served as a vital economic lifeline for millions of rural households across the country. Beyond providing guaranteed employment, the scheme has played a significant role in strengthening the rural economy, reducing distress migration and ensuring livelihood security for economically weaker families.
She said that any new rural employment mechanism should strengthen, rather than dilute, the rights and social security of rural workers. "The objective of any reform should be to enhance the welfare of the poor, not weaken the protections available to them," she said.

The Congress MP noted that several states have raised concerns regarding issues such as increased financial contribution by states, wage rates, the number of guaranteed employment days and other operational provisions under the proposed framework. These objections, she said, indicate that a broad consensus on the new scheme has not yet been achieved.

"If state governments themselves are highlighting additional financial liabilities and practical implementation challenges, the Centre must take those concerns seriously before proceeding further," Selja said.

She cautioned that increasing the financial responsibility of states for implementing the rural employment programme could directly affect rural development works as well as employment opportunities available to labourers.

She also called for a revision of wage rates under the employment guarantee programme in line with prevailing inflation so that workers can earn a dignified livelihood.

Selja further said that provisions relating to employment during the agricultural season should be made flexible enough to accommodate local conditions and the needs of different regions.

Urging the Centre to avoid a hurried rollout, the Sirsa MP demanded extensive consultations with state governments, panchayat representatives, labour organisations and subject experts before implementing the new framework.

Necessary amendments, she said, should be incorporated to ensure that there is no compromise on employment opportunities, income security and social protection for the rural poor.

Reiterating the Congress party's stand, Selja said the party remains committed to protecting the rights of rural poor, farmers, agricultural labourers and other disadvantaged sections of society, and will continue to raise their concerns forcefully.

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