RCP seeks stronger employment guarantee, warns against diluting MGNREGA scheme

Kadapa – Andhra Pradesh: Rayalaseema Communist Party (RCP) State Secretary Ravi Shankar Reddy on Tuesday demanded that the proposed G Ram Ji Act be implemented on the lines of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), with higher funding, more workdays and enhanced wages to protect rural livelihoods.

Demand for higher central funding and wages

Addressing a meeting of state leaders at the RCP state office, Ravi Shankar Reddy said the new Act must ensure 90 percent central funding, guarantee at least 200 days of work, and raise daily wages to Rs 600 to match rising prices and living costs.

Allegation of diluting employment guarantee

He alleged that the Centre is attempting to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the employment guarantee law and weaken it by converting a legal right into a mere scheme. This, he said, would push poor people and rural labourers towards starvation and forced migration.

BJP accused of siding with the rich

Reddy claimed the move is part of a broader plan to create conditions for forced labour benefiting the wealthy, accusing the BJP of being anti-farmer and anti-agricultural labourer.

Call for mass movement

Recalling the farmers’ protests against farm laws, he said a similar nationwide movement is needed now. He announced awareness campaigns across Rayalaseema villages and a large conference, calling upon farmers, workers, intellectuals and citizens to participate.

The meeting was attended by RCP leaders Sheikh Maqbool Basha, Siddiramayya, Anjaneyulu, Akbar, Gangadhar, Tasleem, Lakshmidevi, Gangulamma, Shivamma, Munna, Ilyas, Sharif, Ramachandra, Pratap Reddy, Munireddy, Chapala Subbarayudu, Venkatesh and others.