Overview
- Punjab’s AAP government tabled a resolution urging the Centre to retain a demand-based, fully centrally funded job guarantee and to reconsider VB-G RAM G provisions that it says burden states and dilute workers’ rights.
- Labour unions staged protests across Punjab as legislators displayed constituent letters from workers fearful of losing access to work and payments, while AAP leaders said about one million such letters would be forwarded to the President.
- The BJP accused the Punjab government of coercing workers to sign petitions, and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said passing state resolutions against a Parliament-enacted law violates the federal structure.
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development discussed a six-month transition, noting the Act cannot take effect until rules are notified and seeking clarity on ensuring wage payments and additional funds during the overlap.
- The Rural Development Ministry told the panel it is coordinating with states to prevent “fake demand” and disclosed ₹3,082.52 crore in outstanding MGNREGA dues, as the new law raises guaranteed days to 125 and increases states’ cost share to 40%.