Congress on Thursday hit out at the Modi government after it notified the revised MNREGA wage rate for 2024-25, saying the wage rate in all states is much less than Rs 400 per day.
The Central Government has notified the revised wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA).
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X that the MNREGA wage rates are revised every year from April 1. “For 2024/25, the Modi government has just announced revised MNREGA wages,” Ramesh said.
“Leaving aside the issue that it violates the spirit of the Model Code of Conduct given the upcoming elections, The daily wage rate declared in all states is well below Rs 400 per day, which is part of the ‘Labour Justice’ guarantee of the Indian National Congress.
At least 100 days of employment is guaranteed under MNREGA
The wage rates have been increased till 2023 under the scheme, which aims to enhance the livelihood security of families in rural areas. It aims to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to every family in a financial year.
According to the notification, the remuneration in Goa has seen the highest increase of Rs 34 and now the per day payment in the state has gone up to Rs 356. In Andhra Pradesh, it was increased by Rs 28 per day and the wage rate is now Rs 300.
Wages increased by 10% in Andhra Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have seen the least increase in wages by Rs 7. The wage rate under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA) in both states is Rs 237 per day.
The wage rate increased to Rs 250 in West Bengal (increased by Rs 13), Rs 319 in Tamil Nadu (increased by Rs 25), Rs 300 in Telangana (increased by Rs 28) and Rs 228 in Bihar (increased by Rs 17).
Although Haryana is on top in terms of remuneration or wage rate, the increase here has been only around four percent. The overall increase across all states has been between four to 10 percent.
Analysis of the data shows that Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, and Telangana have recorded a growth of about 10 percent.
Employment Is Guaranteed Under MNREGA
The wage rates have been increased till 2023 under the scheme, which aims to enhance the livelihood security of families in rural areas. It aims to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to every family in a financial year.
According to the notification, the remuneration in Goa has seen the highest increase of Rs 34 and now the per day payment in the state has gone up to Rs 356. In Andhra Pradesh, it was increased by Rs 28 per day and the wage rate is now Rs 300.
Congress’ ‘Labor Justice’
Congress’ ‘Labor Justice’ announcement guarantees a nationwide minimum wage of Rs 400 per day to end wage stagnation.
As part of our ‘Labor Justice’ guarantee, the Congress has also promised the Modi government to conduct a comprehensive review of labor codes and make appropriate amendments to strengthen worker rights.