Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has strongly criticised the proposed changes to the MGNREGA-related Bill, warning that the move could severely impact India’s poorest citizens and weaken the rural economy. Speaking on the issue, she said the original structure of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act had served as a crucial lifeline for millions over the past two decades.

Priyanka Gandhi pointed out that MGNREGA was designed in a way that ensured strong financial backing from the Centre, with nearly 90 per cent of the funding coming from the Union government. According to her, this arrangement allowed the scheme to function smoothly across states and provided reliable employment to people who struggled to find work, particularly in rural and economically vulnerable communities.

She expressed concern that the new form of the Bill significantly reduces the Centre’s financial contribution, shifting a heavier burden onto state governments. Priyanka Gandhi argued that many states would simply be unable to bear this added cost, leading to a gradual collapse of the employment guarantee programme.

Describing MGNREGA as one of the most successful welfare initiatives of the last 20 years, she said it had consistently supported people with no alternative sources of income. She warned that weakening the scheme would directly affect rural livelihoods, increase economic distress, and undo years of progress made in poverty alleviation.