MGNREGA Changes Undermine Gram Sabhas, Rural Democracy: Devendra Jaggi
Former Dharamshala Mayor Devendra Jaggi on Thursday strongly criticised the recent changes made by the Central Government to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), alleging that the amendments have virtually dismantled the scheme and diluted the spirit of Panchayati Raj.
Arvind Sharma
Jan 8, 2026 08:16
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Dharamsala, January 8, 2026: Former Dharamshala Mayor Devendra Jaggi on Thursday strongly criticised the recent changes made by the Central Government to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), alleging that the amendments have virtually dismantled the scheme and diluted the spirit of Panchayati Raj.
Jaggi said the powers of Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) have been significantly curtailed, with decision-making authority being centralised at higher administrative levels. As a result, villagers are no longer able to determine development priorities based on local needs, dealing a severe blow to grassroots democracy.
He explained that earlier, Gram Sabhas played a decisive role under MGNREGA. Development proposals were approved directly in village meetings, enabling the swift execution of small but essential works such as embankment construction, protection of agricultural fields, building of kuccha roads, drainage systems, repair of drains, and conservation of water sources. This ensured timely commencement of work, provided immediate employment to labourers, and effectively reduced rural migration.
“Weakening the Gram Sabha means weakening rural democracy and suppressing the voice of the common people,” Jaggi asserted.
The former Mayor also expressed concern over the increased financial burden being placed on state governments. Raising the states’ contribution to 40 percent, he said, is creating a serious crisis for economically stressed states, adversely affecting expenditure on education, healthcare, and other development sectors.
Jaggi described the dilution of MGNREGA as reflective of an “anti-poor, anti-labourer and anti-farmer mindset” and urged the Central Government to reconsider the changes. He demanded the immediate restoration of the decision-making powers of Gram Sabhas to preserve the original intent of the landmark rural employment scheme.
