AIP Opposes MGNREGA Changes, Announces Protests Across Valley – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) on Thursday announced a series of peaceful protests across Kashmir against recent amendments to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), describing the changes as regressive and an attack on the right to work.

AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said in a media statement that the amended provisions would deprive a large section of rural aspirants of guaranteed employment and undermine the federal structure by concentrating excessive control with the Centre. He said the party would launch demonstrations beginning January 3 to press for a rollback of the amendments.

The statement criticised the revised guidelines, particularly Section 4(5), which makes fund allocation target-based, rendering states dependent on the Centre. He also objected to Section 5(1), under which the Centre will notify operational areas, and Section 22(2), which alters the funding ratio to 60 per cent Centre and 40 per cent state contribution, compared to the earlier 90:10 formula.

“These changes significantly dilute the role of state governments and Panchayati Raj Institutions and amount to a direct assault on cooperative federalism,” he said, warning that the revised framework could be misused to weaken opposition-ruled states.

The AIP spokesperson further said the amendments restrict the execution of works during the 60-day harvesting period, thereby shrinking employment opportunities for rural labourers. He argued that instead of expanding job creation, the changes limit permissible works and fail to incorporate skill-based employment or durable asset creation.

Inam Un Nabi said the material component ratio under MGNREGA should have been enhanced to generate more employment and ensure long-term assets, but the revised scheme excludes several vital sectors, adversely affecting rural livelihoods.

He also cautioned against politicising the issue through religious symbolism, saying public welfare schemes should not be linked to faith for political gain.

Announcing the protest schedule, Inam Un Nabi said AIP would begin with a peaceful sit-in in Kupwara on January 3, followed by demonstrations at multiple locations across the Valley in the coming days.