By changing MGNREGA, BJP has moved to end employment guarantee for workers: Pawan Kumar Tinu

JALANDHAR(The Uttam Hindu): Chairman of Punjab State Agriculture Department Bank, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Spokesperson, Pawan Kumar Tinu, strongly reacted to the Central Government’s “Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission - Gramin (VB-G RAM G) Bill. He declared the bill a conspiracy to weaken the historic and people-oriented MGNREGA Act and called it yet another “black law.”

Addressing a press conference held at Jalandhar, Pawan Tinu said that MGNREGA is not merely a scheme but a lifeline for crores of the poor and labourers across the country. “It has provided a legal guarantee of 100 days of employment, but the BJP government’s new bill is a major step towards dismantling this guarantee,” he said.

He said that under the ‘VB-G RAM G. Bill, the duration of employment will now depend on the Central Government’s budget allocation. “If the budget is reduced, workers will receive fewer than 100 days of employment. This directly means that the income of poor laborers will become uncertain and rural unemployment and poverty will further increase,” he added.

Pawan Tinu questioned why the Central Government did not consult the states, experts, or labour organizations before bringing such a significant bill. “This clearly reflects the authoritarian mindset of the Central Government,” he asserted.

He further stated that this bill also brings a major change in the funding structure of MGNREGA. “Earlier, the Central Government bore the entire financial responsibility, but under the new bill, 40% of the financial burden has been shifted onto the states. States already struggling with limited resources, debt, and multiple responsibilities would find it nearly impossible to bear this burden. As a result, there is a serious risk of delayed wages and stoppage of work for labourers,” he pointed out.

Pawan Tinu also strongly objected to the mandatory biometric attendance and smartphone requirement included in the bill. “Even today, many rural areas suffer from severe network issues, and it is not possible for every worker to own a smartphone. If attendance is not recorded due to network failure or technical issues, workers’ wages will be deducted. This system is nothing but a conspiracy to trap workers in technical hurdles and deprive them of employment,” he added.

Highlighting the Central Government's continuous discrimination against Punjab, he said, “Even when Punjab was struggling with floods and other natural disasters, the Centre failed to provide adequate relief or release pending funds. Now, through this new bill, an additional financial burden is being imposed on Punjab and other states to weaken them further.”

Pawan Tinu appealed to the public to question local BJP leaders regarding this anti-people bill and demand clear answers. “The AAP stands with common people, farmers, and workers, and will fight at every level to protect the rights of labourers,” he asserted.

In conclusion, Pawan Tinu said, “First the BJP stole votes, then ration, and now it has moved on to stealing employment. But the people of the country will not remain silent and will strongly oppose this injustice.”

On this occasion, District Planning Board Chairman and Jalandhar Urban District President Amritpal Singh, State Secretary Atam Prakash Singh Bablu, Doaba Media In-charge Tarandeep Singh Sunny, and District Media In-charge Sanjeev Bhagat were also present.