Cong accuses govt of 'chronically underfunding' MGNREGA plans

THE Congress on Friday accused the Modi government of "chronically underfunding" the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), stating that the move has made a "mockery" of the scheme's demand-driven character.

- PARVEZ SULTAN @New Delhi

Reiterating its demand for a significant budgetary enhancement, the party also pressed for fixing the daily wage under MGNREGA at a minimum of ₹400, arguing such a step was essential to kickstart "real income growth" in rural India.

Alleging inadequate allocation, a decline in employment and delays in wages plaguing the scheme, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said Friday marked the 20th anniversary of the enactment of MGNREGA law, but uncertainty looms large on its future.