Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar Jan 12, 2026: One-day symbolic hunger strike was observed in Kishtwar on the issues of “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram” and “Hamare Riyasat, Hamara Haq” under the leadership of President, District Congress Committee Kishtwar, Shri P. L. Shan. A large number of Congress workers participated in the protest, highlighting growing socio-economic distress in remote and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, Shri P. L. Shan strongly criticised the Modi-led BJP Government for what he described as attempts to dilute the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) by introducing VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission). He said districts like Kishtwar, with difficult terrain, scattered habitations and limited employment avenues, are heavily dependent on MGNREGA, particularly in far-flung and border belt areas.
Explaining the difference between the two programmes, Congress leaders said MGNREGA is a rights-based, demand-driven law that guarantees 100 days of wage employment to every rural household, with fixed wages, transparency provisions and compensation in case of delayed payments. In contrast, VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission) is a scheme-based, target-oriented programme without any legal guarantee of employment, assured number of workdays or statutory wage protection, which weakens livelihood security for rural families.
The protesters demanded restoration and strengthening of MGNREGA, timely release of pending wages, and protection of the original spirit of the employment guarantee programme, which ensures livelihood security for rural households. They said delays in wage payments have severely affected people in interior villages, especially during harsh weather conditions and persistent connectivity challenges.
Highlighting the broader political context, Shri P. L. Shan reminded the Government of its repeated promise to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that restoration of statehood is a fundamental democratic right of the people of this sensitive border region and warned that any further delay is unacceptable.
