Convener News Desk
Bandipora | January 12: The District Congress Committee Bandipora on Monday staged a symbolic protest and observed a one-day fast at the District Headquarters against what it termed as an assault on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the alleged removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme. The protest was also held in support of the party’s campaign “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq.”
The programme was organised as part of the nationwide initiative “MGNREGA Bacho Sangram,” aimed at highlighting concerns over the dilution of the employment guarantee scheme and the alleged denial of workers’ rights. A large number of party leaders, workers and MGNREGA beneficiaries participated in the demonstration.
The protest was led by JKPCC District President Advocate Sheikh Farooq Habeeb along with senior Congress leader Inamul Haq Bhat. Block presidents, halqa presidents and party workers were present on the occasion, expressing solidarity with rural workers dependent on MGNREGA for livelihood.
Party leaders alleged that Congress observers Bilal Sb and Irshad Sb were put under house arrest ahead of the programme, which they described as an attempt to suppress democratic protest.
Addressing the gathering, Congress leaders demanded immediate restoration of MGNREGA in its original spirit, reiteration of the constitutional right to work, timely payment of wages and accountability in implementation. They also called for a uniform national minimum wage of ₹400 per day for workers.
The leaders further demanded restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir under the slogan “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq,” a campaign launched by JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra. They reaffirmed the party’s commitment to safeguarding MGNREGA and said the scheme must be fully and effectively implemented to protect the livelihood and dignity of rural workers.
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