Ranchi: A joint protest was held today at Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi by left-wing parties, researchers, and labour organisations against the Union government’s proposed “Viksit Bharat–Employment and Livelihood Guarantee Mission (Rural) Bill, 2025” (GRAMG). Protesters alleged that the Bill has been introduced without any consultation with labour unions, farmer organisations, state governments, or other stakeholders. They said the proposed legislation seeks to dismantle the rights-based Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replace it with a centrally controlled, discretionary scheme. According to them, this move is undemocratic and contrary to constitutional values.
The protesters stated that the new Bill abolishes the demand-driven right to employment and imposes a budget-limited, supply-driven programme. This would end guaranteed employment for rural workers, increase the financial burden on states, and weaken the role of gram sabhas. They warned that the changes would severely affect marginal farmers, Dalits, Adivasis, and women workers by undermining their bargaining power and livelihood security. Increased job insecurity, they said, would deepen the rural crisis and accelerate distress migration.
During the protest, demonstrators burned copies of the GRAMG Bill to register their opposition. Slogans such as “MGNREGA is just an excuse, the real aim is to enslave,” “Withdraw the new Bill, restore MGNREGA,” and “Save MGNREGA, save the country, save the Constitution” were raised, strongly condemning the Union government’s anti-people policies.
Among those present at the protest were Apurva, Ashok Verma, Ashish Raushan, Elina Horo, Charles Murmu, Chhotu Ram Mahto, Jagarnath Uraon, Jaspal Hasda, Pardesia Lakra, Mantu Marandi, Mary Nisha, Mewa Lakra, Nandita, Ramesh Ji, Rameshwar Malto, Riya Tulika Pingua, Triloki, Virendra Kumar, Sameer Das, Sukhnath Munda, R. N. Singh, Tom, Tony, Vijay, and Vinod. Organisations including Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, NREGA Watch, NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, and AISA also actively participated.
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