Congress Criticizes Modi Government Over Alleged Mismanagement of MGNREGA

Quick Summary

• On the 20th anniversary of MGNREGA, Congress criticized the BJP-led government for underfunding and restricting its implementation over 11 years at the Center.
• Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh called attention to chronic issues with MGNREGA funding, noting that ₹51,521 crore out of ₹86,000 crore was spent within five months of FY 2025-26, leaving just ₹79 crore for September.
• Ramesh alleged delayed payments exceeding statutory limits, stagnant wages over 11 years despite inflation, and budget allocations being used to clear past dues annually.
• Technological interventions like NMMS app and ABPS were criticized as exclusionary for reportedly preventing over two crore workers from accessing work or payment rights under MGNREGA.
• The Congress demanded higher allocation for MGNREGA in budgets going forward; minimum wages set at ₹400/day; timely wage disbursement; and suspension of mandatory exclusionary technology adoption.

Indian Opinion Analysis
MGNREGA has played a key role in providing wage employment to rural India as its inception. The concerns raised by Jairam Ramesh underline ongoing challenges such as inadequate funding during times of inflation and delays in payment processes impacting livelihoods reliant on this demand-driven scheme. If accurate, claims about technological systems excluding millions raise questions about inclusivity in governance tools aimed at clarity.

Efficient execution depends not only on fiscal resource availability but also cohesive program management aligned with local realities. Calls to standardize regulation mechanisms or reexamine tech-based approaches warrant serious dialogue among policymakers given their potential social impact amid rural unemployment concerns.strengthening implementation while ensuring accessibility may be critical as the nation balances welfare schemes alongside economic priorities.

Read more: The Hindu