Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) held a peaceful protest at the tennis court near IG Park on Sunday against the central government’s decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as the VB-G Ram G Bill, 2025.
APCC president Bosiram Siram criticised the move, calling it unnecessary and politically motivated, aimed at erasing the historic contributions of the Congress party and Mahatma Gandhi.
He described MGNREGA as more than just a scheme, stating it is a legal right for rural citizens, ensuring livelihood security, dignity of labour, and social justice.
Siram added that the government has failed to strengthen the scheme through adequate funding, timely wage payments, and increased work opportunities. “Instead of addressing these issues, the government is focusing on symbolic renaming to distract from its administrative shortcomings. Changing the name does not affect the pro-people spirit and legal foundation of MGNREGA,” he said.
APCC vice president Abraham Techi called the renaming “an affront to democratic values and parliamentary tradition,” arguing that it reflects the BJP’s inability to deliver on employment, rural development, and price stability.
Vice president Mina Toko highlighted the negative impact of the government’s policies on rural women, job card holders, and marginalised communities.
She stressed that MGNREGA has been a lifeline for millions, especially women, and urged the government to focus on ensuring 100 days of work, fair wages, and transparency rather than renaming the scheme.
The rally included participation from APCC state office bearers, members of various committees and cells, the City Congress Committee, the Papum Pare District Congress Committee, and a large number of Congress leaders and workers.
