A heartfelt appeal urging India to protect MGNREGA livelihoods
MGNREGA’s global acclaim and proven impact make dismantling it now a historic, irreversible mistake for India’s poorest.
We, the undersigned scholars, policymakers, lawyers, and civic actors—friends of India committed to the nation’s progress—write to voice our deep concern over reports suggesting the imminent repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This landmark legislation, which has stood for nearly two decades, represents far more than a policy; it is a manifestation of economic justice and social dignity, ensuring that rural communities have access to a demand-driven, legally guaranteed right to employment. Its potential dismantling would not only undermine livelihoods but also erode the trust of millions of citizens in the promise of governance.
Enacted with unanimous parliamentary support, MGNREGA has historically transcended political divisions, demonstrating that the welfare of India’s most vulnerable is a cause that unites the nation. The Act’s foundational principle—that the national government is constitutionally obliged to guarantee work—is a bold affirmation of economic dignity as a fundamental right. By codifying the right to work, MGNREGA empowers rural households, reduces distress migration, strengthens women’s participation in the workforce, and acts as a buffer against seasonal shocks and economic instability.
Empirical evidence from the past two decades underscores its transformative impact. Studies have consistently shown that MGNREGA not only increases household incomes but also improves access to food, healthcare, and education, while enhancing community infrastructure. Its success has captured international attention, with global policymakers often citing it as a model for social protection and inclusive growth.
Repealing MGNREGA now, at a time when rural India continues to face economic uncertainty, would be a historic error. The act is not a mere welfare program; it is a social contract between the government and its citizens, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to justice, dignity, and equitable development. We urge the government to recommit to MGNREGA, preserve its integrity, and continue to invest in a policy that has become an emblem of India’s democratic promise.