New Delhi,Dec.16,2025:The MNREGA Name Change Bill Protest is not merely about altering the title of a welfare scheme; it represents a larger ideological and constitutional conflict over decentralisation, workers’ rights, and federal responsibility. Introduced without extensive consultation, the proposed law seeks to repeal MNREGA and replace it with a new framework, triggering widespread outrage among opposition parties.
What Is MNREGA and Why It Matters
Launched in 2005, MNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment to every rural household willing to do unskilled manual work. It is the world’s largest employment guarantee programme, reaching millions of families annually.
According to official data from the Ministry of Rural Development
MNREGA has played a crucial role in
- Reducing rural poverty
- Preventing distress migration
- Strengthening village infrastructure
- Empowering women and marginalised communities
Priyanka Gandhi’s Emotional Speech in Parliament
During the MNREGA Name Change Bill Protest, Priyanka Gandhi reminded the House that the Act was passed with near-unanimous support across political parties.
She stated that MNREGA transformed rural India by providing dignity of labour and legal employment rights to the poorest citizens.
“This law was revolutionary when it was passed. It gave the poorest Indian a legal guarantee of work,” she asserted.
“Mahatma Gandhi Is Not My Family, But He Belongs to the Nation”
One of the most powerful moments of the MNREGA Name Change Bill Protest came when Priyanka Gandhi addressed the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme.
“Mahatma Gandhi is not from my family, but he is like family to the entire nation,” she said, drawing loud desk-thumping from opposition benches.
Her statement resonated beyond Parliament, echoing public sentiment that Gandhi’s legacy transcends political ownership.
Constitutional Concerns and the 73rd Amendment
Priyanka Gandhi strongly argued that the new bill violates the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which empowers Panchayati Raj institutions.
Under MNREGA
- Funds are demand-driven
- Employment is legally guaranteed
- Gram Sabhas play a central role
The new law, she warned, allows the Centre to pre-determine budgets, undermining local self-governance.
Impact on Gram Sabhas and Local Governance
A major highlight of the MNREGA Name Change Bill Protest was the allegation that Gram Sabha powers are being diluted.
According to Priyanka Gandhi
- Decision-making is being centralised
- Local participation is weakened
- The spirit of grassroots democracy is threatened
She described the move as contrary to the Constitution’s core philosophy of empowering citizens at the lowest level.
Financial Burden on States
Currently, MNREGA is funded with 90% central assistance. The proposed law reduces this share to 60% for certain states, shifting the burden to state governments.
This change, critics argue, could
- Strain already fragile state finances
- Reduce employment generation
- Create regional inequalities
Employment Days Increased, Wages Ignored
While the government claims to increase employment from 100 to 125 days, Priyanka Gandhi highlighted a glaring omission during the MNREGA Name Change Bill Protest—no increase in wages.
With inflation rising, stagnant wages could
- Nullify benefits of additional workdays
- Push workers deeper into poverty
- Reduce programme effectiveness
Shashi Tharoor Calls Name Change “Unethical”
Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor strongly criticised the renaming of MNREGA.
“Removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from this historic scheme is unethical,” he said.
Tharoor emphasised that Gandhi symbolises moral leadership, non-violence, and inclusive development—values deeply embedded in MNREGA’s philosophy.
Political Reactions and Opposition Unity
The MNREGA Name Change Bill Protest has united opposition parties, cutting across ideological differences.
Several MPs demanded
- Withdrawal of the bill
- Wider consultation
- Standing Committee review
Political analysts note that MNREGA remains one of the few policies with enduring bipartisan relevance.
Why MNREGA Is Considered Revolutionary
MNREGA is unique because
- It is a rights-based law, not a scheme
- Employment is legally enforceable
- Transparency is ensured through social audits
The International Labour Organization has praised employment guarantee programmes as effective social safety nets
Public Sentiment and Rural India’s Concerns
Ground reports and public reactions indicate strong rural opposition to changes perceived as weakening MNREGA.
Many beneficiaries fear
- Delays in payments
- Reduced work availability
- Loss of legal safeguards
The MNREGA Name Change Bill Protest has thus become a voice for rural anxieties.
Expert Opinions on the New Bill
Policy experts warn that converting MNREGA into a budget-driven scheme could:
- Reduce accountability
- Increase discretion
- Undermine transparency
Think tanks like NITI Aayog have previously acknowledged MNREGA’s stabilising role during economic crises
Global Perspective on Employment Guarantee Schemes
Countries like Argentina and South Africa have explored employment guarantees inspired partly by India’s MNREGA model.
Diluting such a globally recognised framework could damage India’s reputation as a leader in social welfare innovation.
Demand for Bill Withdrawal
Opposition leaders, civil society groups, and labour unions are urging the government to:
- Withdraw the bill
- Initiate nationwide consultations
- Present a revised proposal
The MNREGA Name Change Bill Protest is expected to intensify both inside and outside Parliament.
A Defining Moment for Indian Democracy
The MNREGA Name Change Bill Protest is more than a parliamentary clash—it is a defining moment for India’s democratic and constitutional values.
As Priyanka Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor underscored, the debate is not about political credit, but about preserving a lifeline for rural India and respecting Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy.
Whether the government reconsiders its stance will determine not just the future of MNREGA, but the direction of India’s welfare state itself.
