Overview
- Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said a Central Committee report shows about Rs 23,000 crore pending for MGNREGA wages and materials, accusing the Centre of weakening federal principles.
- BJP leaders rejected the figure, with Anil Sarin asserting the cited report notes no pending wage dues in 2024–25 and alleging Punjab misread data while failing to act on 10,653 irregularities and incomplete audits.
- AAP escalated street agitation on December 31, with minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond leading protests that branded the VB-G RAM G law as harmful to Dalits, women and landless labourers.
- The Punjab Assembly on December 30 unanimously passed a resolution seeking restoration of MGNREGA, a move Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan condemned as undemocratic and irresponsible.
- Nationwide campaigning is set to intensify, with Congress launching a 'Save MGNREGA' drive from January 5 and BJP units planning outreach events, including Jharkhand meetings from January 8 to 10.