Congress highlights recommendations of Parliament panel calling for MGNREGS wage revision

In its report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Growth stated the suspension of funds to West Bengal below MGNREGS and different schemes has led to “extreme penalties”, together with a pointy enhance in misery migration and disruptions in rural growth initiatives.
| Picture Credit score: The Hindu

The Congress on Thursday (March 13, 2025) highlighted the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Growth and Panchayati Raj, together with a revision of the MGNREGS wage charges and making Aadhar-Based mostly Cost System non-compulsory below the flagship scheme.

In its report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Growth stated the suspension of funds to West Bengal below MGNREGS and different schemes has led to “extreme penalties”, together with a pointy enhance in misery migration and disruptions in rural growth initiatives.

The panel, headed by Congress MP from Odisha Saptagiri Ulaka, additionally stated there’s stagnation of funds within the Mahatma Gandhi Nationwide Rural Employment Assure Scheme (MGNREGS).

Congress Common Secretary (In-charge, Communications) Jairam Ramesh stated, “The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Growth and Panchayati Raj, below the chairmanship of Saptagiri Ulaka, has launched its Demand for Grants report for 2025-2026.

“It has made some key recommendations – Revision of the wage charges due below MGNREGA and a transfer away from the CPI-Agricultural Laborers Index to find out the hike in MGNREGA wages. The discharge of all funds on account of West Bengal below MGNREGA and different schemes,” Mr. Ramesh stated.

He additionally highlighted the panel’s suggestion to keep away from delays within the fee of wages and materials below the MGNREGA, which as of February 15 quantity to Rs 12,219.18 crore in wages and Rs 11,227.09 crore in materials parts He stated the panel has additionally really useful Aadhar-Based mostly Cost System have to be made non-compulsory for fee of MGNREGA wages and there needs to be a rise in assured working days below MGNREGA from 100 days to 150 days.

The panel has additionally referred to as for dilution of the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act 2013 by States should be discouraged.