Nearly 50 participants, representing 20 civil society organisations, community-based organisations, and grassroots groups working in Adivasi areas across Andhra Pradesh, participated in a workshop organised by LibTech India on the proposed repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The participants expressed apprehensions and said that the new Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G) would deprive Adivasi communities across Andhra Pradesh of the viatal benefits.
Participants highlighted that in 2024–25 alone, Adivasi households in Andhra Pradesh earned over ₹700 crore through MGNREGA. On an average, this translated to nearly ₹19,000 per household per year, forming a critical source of income for basic consumption, debt avoidance, and protection against seasonal livelihood distress.
Discussions further underscored the broader role of MGNREGA in sustaining Adivasi livelihoods. In forest and tribal areas, the provision of up to 150 days of employment for Forest Rights Act (FRA) landholders has incentivised cultivation and stabilised agriculture. MGNREGA works related to land development, horticulture, and soil and water conservation have contributed to improved agricultural productivity and strengthened livelihood security in remote and ecologically fragile regions.
They further demanded extensive consultations with all stakeholders during the framing of the rules under any new legislation. Participants also emphasised that any new law, including the VB-G RAM-G Act, must include explicit safeguards and special provisions for Adivasi regions and should strengthen—rather than dilute—the constitutional spirit of the right to work.
Chakradhar Chakri, senior research from LibTech India, presided over the event.
Published – January 23, 2026 08:40 pm IST
