Rural Revival Rally: Open Letter Urges Govt to Champion MAGNA for India's Villages!

Campaign Context

Released amid debates on fiscal pruning, the letter highlights MGNREGA's role as a lifeline for 80 million households since 2005. Signatories, including economists Jean Drèze and Jayati Ghosh, counter narratives of inefficiency, stressing its demand-driven guarantee during agrarian crises and climate shocks.

Key Highlights

Core Demand: Full budget allocation for 100-day employment, averting wage delays plaguing 2025 implementation.

Impact Stats: Generated 2.8 billion person-days in FY25; 55% women participation boosts gender equity.

Economic Multiplier: Every ₹1 spent creates ₹1.5 in rural GDP via infrastructure like water conservation.

Urgent Reforms: Digital wage payments, asset audits, and integration with schemes like PM Awas Yojana.

Path Forward

This advocacy pressures the December policy review, positioning MGNREGA as rural India's safety net in Amrit Kaal.

Sources: The Wire op-ed, Scroll.in coverage, economists' collective statement.​