MGNREGA was conceived and executed as 'Demand Driven'. In the new Bill, this has been changed to a 'Supply Based' central scheme. This reeks of the government's zamindari or feudal mindset. Clearly, the government does not want anyone to have a 'right'. MGNREGA was a RIGHT. They instead want to dish out doles before the polls, using the state exchequer for electoral ends. The new bill converts a right into a 'gift', making the workers dependent on the State's benevolence.

These women are going to be the biggest losers. For the last five years, more than 50% of work under MNREGA has been done by women. In many states, women comprise 90% of the workforce. The money they got from MNREGA supplemented their household income. It kept their children in school, bought them their books and their new clothes. Gone. In the labour market, which usually prefers men over women, MGNREGA, for the first time, created gender pay-parity.

The states will foot 40% of the cost- but the Union government will........

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