New Delhi, 16 December (H.S.): The Congress on Tuesday announced nationwide protests at district headquarters on December 17 and December 28 to oppose the Union government's proposal to scrap the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and introduce a new scheme in its place.

According to an official letter issued by Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, all Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs) have been instructed to organise protest demonstrations at every district headquarters on December 17. The letter further directs PCCs to hold programmes in all mandals and villages on December 28, the foundation day of the Indian National Congress, carrying portraits of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Congress communication states that the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name reflects the government's unease and anxiety. It alleges that ending the employment guarantee would effectively abolish the legal right to work under MGNREGA and convert it into a centrally controlled scheme that offers no enforceable guarantee of employment.

The party also contends that the Centre is attempting to reduce its responsibility, thereby shifting the burden onto states and adversely affecting the demand for rural employment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar