India, Dec. 15 -- The government plans to replace MGNREGA with a new rural wage programme.

Critics say the proposal ends the demand-driven right to work.

States may face higher financial burdens under the revised funding model.

Employment would depend on central notifications and budget limits.

Labour groups have called for the bill's withdrawal.

A proposed wage employment programme that the government plans to introduce in Parliament would end the demand-driven nature of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which it seeks to replace, researchers and labour rights activists have warned.

The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, expected to be tabled during the o...