The dismantling of MGNREGA is not a technocratic policy decision but a logical extension of a political project that is uneasy with enforceable rights—especially when claimed by the poor
For several organisations and individuals associated with the employment guarantee programme, the writing has long been on the wall.
The most significant change concerns the guarantee of 100 days of employment. Under the G-RAM-G, work is now increasingly connected to government targets, budgets and notified areas.
Social scientist and welfare economist Jean Drèze says the government is promising jobs without guaranteeing work. The BJP-led government has not merely rebranded MGNREGA. What was an enforceable right to work, driven by workers’ demand and backed by the Centre’s obligation to fund it, has been recast as a discretionary, centrally controlled scheme with budget caps, blackout periods and political gatekeeping.
The proposed replacement of MNREGA reflects the convergence of political priorities, ideological positions, and fiscal calculations.
The Jnanpith Award-winning writer spoke about the urgent need to pay attention to history and ecology, stressing that “the world is full of wonder and you have to look out for the unknown.”
For several organisations and individuals associated with the employment guarantee programme, the writing has long been on the wall.
The most significant change concerns the guarantee of 100 days of employment. Under the G-RAM-G, work is now increasingly connected to government targets, budgets and notified areas.
Social scientist and welfare economist Jean Drèze says the government is promising jobs without guaranteeing work. The BJP-led government has not merely rebranded MGNREGA. What was an enforceable right to work, driven by workers’ demand and backed by the Centre’s obligation to fund it, has been recast as a discretionary, centrally controlled scheme with budget caps, blackout periods and political gatekeeping.
The proposed replacement of MNREGA reflects the convergence of political priorities, ideological positions, and fiscal calculations.
The Jnanpith Award-winning writer spoke about the urgent need to pay attention to history and ecology, stressing that “the world is full of wonder and you have to look out for the unknown.”