The following statement has been issued by AIKS on June 24, 2026:

The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) extends its support to the nationwide protest actions being organised on 1 July 2026 by the Joint Platform of Rural Workers’ Organisations against the proposed replacement of MGNREGA by the VB-GRAMG Scheme and in defence of the Right to Work for rural households.

MGNREGA has been one of the most significant legislative measures providing employment security and income support to rural workers, poor peasants, women, Dalits, Adivasis, and other vulnerable sections. Any attempt to weaken, dilute, or dismantle this employment guarantee framework will have serious consequences for the livelihoods of millions of rural families and for the rural economy as a whole.

AIKS believes that the proposed replacement of MGNREGA represents a major shift away from the legal guarantee of employment that rural workers have won through decades of struggle. Instead of strengthening MGNREGA through adequate budgetary allocations, timely wage payments, expansion of work opportunities, and removal of restrictive conditions, the Central Government is seeking to undermine the rights of rural workers and the rural poor.

The attack on MGNREGA is not only an issue concerning agricultural workers. It directly affects poor and marginal farmers whose livelihoods are closely linked to rural employment, wage levels, and public investment in village infrastructure. It will adversely impact the entire rural economy and deepen agrarian distress.

AIKS therefore calls upon all its state units to actively participate in the nationwide protests on 1 July 2026 alongside agricultural workers and other democratic organisations. The unity of peasants and agricultural workers is essential to resist anti-people and pro-corporate policies of Modi led BJP government and to defend the rights and livelihoods of rural India.

AIKS reiterates its demand for the strengthening of MGNREGA, enhancement of budgetary allocations, guaranteed employment for all eligible households, timely payment of wages, and the withdrawal of any measures that weaken the employment guarantee framework.