Ramesh accused the government of “throttling” the MGNREGA program, stating that the budget allocation for MGNREGA has been slashed repeatedly, with only 0.25% of GDP allocated in 2023-24, the lowest in history. As a result, the Modi government has suppressed MGNREGA wages. For instance, since 2014, the daily wage rate for Uttar Pradesh has increased just 4% per year, when inflation has been much higher than that.
As part of its Nyay Patra for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the Indian National Congress had announced the five-point Shramik Nyay Guarantees. Ramesh pointed out that the Congress has promised a national minimum wage of Rs 400 per day, including for MGNREGA workers. The guarantees include a Right to Health law that will provide universal health coverage of Rs. 25 lakh, including free essential diagnostics, medicines, treatment, surgery, and rehabilitative and palliative care. The Congress has also guaranteed an employment guarantee act for urban areas, with a focus on building public infrastructure, making cities resilient to climate change, and bridging gaps in social services. The party has also promised a comprehensive social security for all unorganised workers, including life insurance and accident insurance. The party has also vowed to carry out a review of the anti-worker labour codes passed by the Modi government and a commitment to stop contractualisation of employment in core government functions. On the occasion of International Workers Day, the Congress reaffirms its allegiance to India’s working people and renews its commitment to the five-point Shramik Nyay Agenda.
Reference : https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/politics/narendra-modi-govt-presided-over-widespread-depredation-of-indias-workers-congress-leader-jairam-ramesh
