Mawkyrwat, January 22: The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Thursday organised a public meeting at Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills district to protest what it termed the dismantling of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) by the BJP-led central government and its proposed replacement with the VB-GRAMG scheme.

Addressing party workers and residents, MPCC President Vincent H. Pala said MGNREGA is a legally guaranteed right to work and not a discretionary welfare scheme. He alleged that any dilution or replacement of the Act would adversely affect rural livelihoods, particularly daily wage earners and economically vulnerable households in Meghalaya.

Speakers at the meeting highlighted the role of MGNREGA in supporting families in remote areas of the district and expressed concerns that the proposed VB-GRAMG scheme lacks statutory backing, transparency and assured employment days.

MPCC Vice President K. Lyngkhoi and Secretary Manuel Badwar also addressed the gathering, warning that weakening MGNREGA reflects a broader erosion of pro-people legislation. They urged citizens to remain vigilant against policies that could deepen rural economic distress.

The meeting also witnessed several prominent individuals joining the Congress party, including Denis Nongsiej, retired Joint Director of the Education Department; Barister Thyrniang, former KHNAM candidate; Sngaphunlang Kharlyngdoh, Assistant Lecturer; and Kordorlyne Kharlyngdoh, former Vice President of the Trinamool Congress in Mawkyrwat.

MPCC leaders reaffirmed their commitment to oppose any move to weaken MGNREGA and said the party would intensify its campaign across the state to protect rural employment and social security.