Nagaland: Congress demands restoration of MGNREGA, right to work

As part of the nationwide campaign “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram”, the Congress party in Wokha has demanded restoration of MGNREGA, reinstatement of the right to work, an all-India minimum wage of Rs. 400 per day, and stronger accountability measures.
Addressing a press conference at Wokha District Congress Office, PAC member of NPCC and PCC member from 40 Bhandari A/C, Chenithung Humtsoe, along with party members, said the press meet was held under the nationwide agitation launched by AICC against the “Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025”. He alleged that the Bill would dilute the legal rights guaranteed under MGNREGA.
Humtsoe stated that the Bill was not about strengthening livelihoods but rather threatened the right to work, fair wages, and accountability. He pointed out that MGNREGA provides a legal guarantee of 100 days of work per year in every village with assured minimum wages. However, under the proposed changes, the legal guarantee to work would be removed, employment would depend on government discretion, and work would be limited to selected villages.
He further said the changes would weaken Panchayati Raj, with project decisions shifted from Gram Panchayats to the central government and contractors, besides removal of NREGA support staff. Raising concerns over state finances, Humtsoe noted that states would be required to bear 40 percent of wage costs, which could result in reduced employment opportunities.
He reiterated that the Congress party was demanding restoration of MGNREGA, reinstatement of the right to work, an all-India minimum wage of Rs. 400 per day, and stronger accountability measures.