“MNREGA Failed for 20 Years,” Says UP Minister AK Sharma in Jaunpur

Lucknow/Jaunpur: Uttar Pradesh Minister AK Sharma made a strong statement in Jaunpur on Saturday, criticizing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). He claimed that since its inception in 2005, the scheme had failed to deliver any meaningful results.

Speaking to the media, Sharma said, “Even after 20 to 21 years, MNREGA has not resulted in the construction of proper roads or adequate water bodies. The scheme failed to make a real impact during the UPA government.” When asked about the last 11 years under the NDA government since 2014, Sharma clarified that his criticism was aimed at the UPA-era implementation. He added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced revolutionary reforms in the scheme.”

Empowering Rural India with the GI-RAM Act
Sharma highlighted that the newly introduced GI-RAM Act is a historic step towards rural empowerment. “Our goal is not just to rename schemes,” he said. “The opposition expects every program to bear the names of Nehru or Gandhi to accept it, but real reforms are what matters.”

Under the new act, employment guarantee in rural areas has been increased from 100 days to 125 days. “This decision will enhance rural incomes, curb migration, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities,” Sharma added. He emphasized that the move reflects the government’s commitment and sensitivity towards rural communities.

Transparency and Accountability in MNREGA
The minister criticized the previous MNREGA framework, stating that workers received little real benefit under the UPA government. “Employment was counted only on paper, corruption in wages was rampant, and the ground reality was completely ignored. PM Modi’s reforms have made the scheme transparent,” he said.

Sharma also noted that under the old MNREGA rules, several restrictions made it difficult for workers to claim unemployment allowances. “The new act removes unnecessary restrictions. If a worker demands work and it is not provided on time, unemployment allowance will now be automatically payable,” he explained.