Uttam Kumar Reddy calls Modi government’s MGNREGA overhaul a death sentence for rural workers

Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy launched a blistering attack on the Modi government’s MGNREGA overhaul, calling it a “death sentence” for rural workers and warning of a nationwide agitation.

At a TPCC working committee meeting held at Gandhi Bhavan, Reddy condemned the Centre’s plan to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act with new legislation. He said the proposed changes weakened the foundation of rural employment protection.

According to Reddy, the BJP had been systematically undermining MGNREGA, which he described as a historic welfare law. He credited Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for conceptualising the scheme that transformed rural livelihoods.

Highlighting its impact, Reddy said the Act ensured dignity and job security in villages. He noted that millions of families benefitted from guaranteed employment and stable wages.

Uttam Kumar Reddy warns of erosion of rural job rights

Reddy alleged that the Modi government targeted MGNREGA because of its association with the Gandhi name and the Congress legacy. “Wherever there is Mahatma Gandhi’s name, Modi ji wants to erase it,” he said.

He claimed the Centre diluted key provisions through the recent policy changes. These included the right to work and minimum wages. Earlier, job card holders were assured at least 100 days of employment, he added.

Reddy also criticised the removal of administrative powers from Gram Panchayats. He said the Centre weakened decentralised governance by shifting control away from local bodies.

On funding, the minister alleged a nearly 40% cut in budgetary support. He said the Centre earlier bore full responsibility but had now transferred the burden to states. According to him, this imposed severe financial pressure on state governments.

Calling for resistance, Reddy urged Congress workers to mobilise across Telangana. He proposed passing protest resolutions in all 12,000 Gram Panchayats. These, he said, should be submitted to the President of India.

Reddy concluded by calling for sustained agitation until the Centre restored the law in its original form. He said the struggle would continue until rural workers regained guaranteed employment and fair wages.