The Uttar Pradesh Congress has taken a decisive step to protect a key rural welfare scheme by appointing district coordinators to lead a statewide campaign. This move is aimed at safeguarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) from policies the party claims are weakening it.
Grassroots Mobilisation to Protect a Lifeline
Party officials stated that the newly appointed activists will work closely with district and city committee presidents. Their primary role is to implement directives from the central leadership and oversee campaign activities at the village level. The campaign, named 'MNREGA Bachao Sangram,' is framed as a struggle to preserve what the Congress describes as a crucial social safety net.
A senior office bearer emphasised the scheme's importance, stating, "MNREGA is not just a government programme but the lifeline of millions of rural families. It ensures protection against hunger, unemployment, and forced migration." The party functionaries stressed that the scheme has historically empowered marginalised sections of society, including Dalits, backward communities, tribals, women, and landless labourers, by guaranteeing the right to work with dignity.
Countering Alleged Dilution Efforts
Congress leaders have accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to dilute the provisions of the MNREGA Act. A party functionary asserted, "The party is committed to resisting these moves that threaten the livelihoods of rural workers." The district coordinators are envisioned as the key link between the central leadership's strategy and the local party units on the ground.
The campaign's action plan includes a series of grassroots activities designed to raise awareness and mobilise public support. These activities will be coordinated by the newly appointed leaders.
Campaign Strategy and Outreach
According to party sources, the drive will involve sustained village-level outreach. The coordinators will be responsible for organising:
- Regular village meetings and public interactions.
- Awareness programmes to educate people about their rights under MNREGA.
- Public meetings to highlight the scheme's importance and counter any policy attempts perceived as weakening its implementation.
The overarching goal is to build a strong public movement to pressure the government into strengthening the employment guarantee scheme, which provides livelihood security to millions across the state. The appointment of dedicated coordinators signals the Congress's intent to make this a structured and focused political campaign in Uttar Pradesh.
