The United States (US) Department of State has expanded online presence reviews for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants as part of its standard visa screening process, effective December 15. WORLDWIDE ALERT FOR H-1B AND H-4 VISA APPLICANTS Beginning December 15, the Department of State expanded online presence reviews to ALL H-1B and H-4 applicants as part of standard visa screening. This vetting is being conducted globally for ALL applicants of ALL nationalities… pic.twitter.com/qMrMrOvqy0 — U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 22, 2025 The enhanced vetting applies globally to all H-1B and H-4 applicants of all nationalities, the department said. The move is aimed at addressing potential misuse of the H-1B visa programme, while continuing to allow US companies to recruit highly skilled temporary foreign workers. Despite the additional scrutiny, US embassies and consulates worldwide will continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 non-immigrant visa applications, the US Embassy in India clarified. The embassy has appealed to applicants to apply at the earliest possible opportunity and to be prepared for additional processing time due to the expanded screening measures. The Department of State said the online presence reviews form part of routine background checks conducted during the visa adjudication process and are intended to strengthen the integrity of the H-1B programme.
22 December,2025 09:02 PM IST | MumbaiA court in Goa's Mapusa on Monday extended the police remand of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, till December 26, reported the ANI. The Luthra brothers were produced before the the Mapusa Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court on Monday in connection with the Goa nightclub fire. The nightclub, located in Arpora, North Goa, was the site of a devastating fire on 6 December, which claimed 25 lives and left several others injured. In the same proceedings, the Mapusa JMFC court remanded Ajay Gupta, the third partner of Birch by Romeo Lane, to 14 days of judicial custody, as per the ANI. Accused brought from Delhi after deportation The Luthra brothers were brought to Goa from Delhi on 16 December after being deported from Thailand. Following their arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, a Delhi court granted the Goa Police a 48-hour transit remand. On December 17, the accused were produced before the Mapusa JMFC court, which granted the police five days’ custody for further investigation. Forged documents allegations Advocate Vishnu Joshi, representing the families of the victims, told ANI that fresh revelations had emerged during the probe. According to him, the police have alleged that the trade licence and other related documents of the Luthra brothers were forged, as per the ANI. Fire caused by safety violations, say cops The fatal fire broke out during a firework event organised at the nightclub without adequate fire safety equipment, police said. The Goa government has initiated criminal proceedings against the club owners, citing alleged negligence and violations of mandatory safety norms. According to the Goa Police, the accused organised the event despite being aware that the premises lacked emergency exit doors on the ground and deck floors, making evacuation difficult in case of an emergency, the news agency reported. Owners had complete control over operations: Police In submissions made earlier before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, the Goa Police stated that the Luthra brothers were the main owners and partners of Birch by Romeo Lane and exercised complete control over the club’s operations, including safety arrangements, permissions and events conducted at the venue, the ANI reported. The police maintained that custodial interrogation of the accused in Goa was necessary at a crucial stage of the investigation. A criminal case was registered on December 7 at the Arpora Anjuna Police Station in North Goa under Sections 105, 125, 125(a), 125(b) and 287, read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. (with ANI inputs)
22 December,2025 05:53 PM IST | Goa | mid-day online correspondentThe Haryana government has issued a notification making Hansi a separate district, effective from Monday. With this, the state now has a total of 23 districts. In its statement, the government said "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 of the Haryana Land Revenue Act, 1887 (Punjab Act 17 of 1887 ) read with section 5 of the Registration Act, 1908 (Central Act 16 of 1908), the Governor of Haryana hereby varies the limits and alters the number of sub-division of district Hisar, so as to form a new District to be called Hansi comprising of the sub-divisions of Hansi and Narnaund." Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the land registration process in all tehsils across the state is entirely online, significantly reducing opportunities for corruption. Buyers can now apply for registration online from their homes. Tehsildars are required to complete registrations within a set timeframe. If a registration is not completed on time, the concerned tehsildar must submit a written explanation to the government. If the answer is found unsatisfactory, disciplinary action will be initiated, and the responsibility will be transferred to a senior officer, he said, according to a release. Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet approved the landmark proposal to reorganise Delhi's 11 existing revenue districts into 13 new revenue districts that will be fully co-terminus with the 12 MCD zones, NDMC, and Delhi Cantonment Board, a release said. According to a press release from the Delhi government's Revenue Department, the national capital will have 13 districts: South East, Old Delhi, North, New Delhi, Central, Central North, South West, Outer North, North West, North East, East, South, and West. According to the press release, the move aims to end decades-old jurisdictional confusion between revenue districts and MCD zones, increasing the number of subdivisions from 33 to 39 and the number of Sub-Registrar offices from 22 to 39. According to the Delhi government, this reform will significantly improve the ease of living, accelerate service delivery, and ensure seamless coordination across land records, property registration, civic services, and grievance redressal. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2025 05:32 PM IST | Chandigarh | ANICold conditions prevailed across several parts of Maharashtra on Monday, with minimum temperatures dropping sharply in interior regions. Ahilyanagar recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 7.3 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in Maharashtra, according to weather observations. Several cities in western and central Maharashtra experienced chilly mornings. Pune recorded a minimum temperature of 8.6 degrees Celsius, while Nashik registered 8.8 degrees Celsius. Jeur in Solapur district reported a low of 8.0 degrees Celsius, and Baramati recorded 9.3 degrees Celsius. Malegaon saw the mercury dip to 8.4 degrees Celsius. In the Marathwada region, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 10.5 degrees Celsius, while Nanded reported 10.8 degrees Celsius and Parbhani 10.6 degrees Celsius. Dharashiv recorded 10.7 degrees Celsius, and Udgir reported 12.0 degrees Celsius. Kolhapur recorded a minimum of 15.3 degrees Celsius, while Sangli saw 13.0 degrees Celsius and Satara 11.2 degrees Celsius. Jalgaon reported a low of 9.5 degrees Celsius, and Nandurbar recorded 15.0 degrees Celsius. In the Konkan region, coastal areas remained relatively warmer. Mumbai’s Colaba observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 20.3 degrees Celsius, while Alibag recorded 18.5 degrees Celsius. Ratnagiri saw a minimum of 17.2 degrees Celsius, Harnai 20.6 degrees Celsius, Dahanu 15.0 degrees Celsius, and Matheran 17.4 degrees Celsius. The Nagpur region also experienced cooler conditions, with Nagpur recording a minimum temperature of 11.8 degrees Celsius and relatively high humidity levels across parts of Vidarbha. Meteorological officials said the dip in temperatures was due to clear skies and calm wind conditions, leading to increased night-time cooling across interior Maharashtra. Mumbai AQI improves to 98; Ghatkopar, BKC still polluted Haze was observed across Mumbai during Monday morning, giving way to mainly clear skies by afternoon and evening, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city recorded a minimum temperature of 20.3 degrees Celsius in Colaba, while Santacruz experienced a cooler 15.2 degrees Celsius, with no rainfall reported at either location. As per the Centre's SAMEER App, the air quality shows improvement compared to the past couple of days, with the city recording an overall AQI of 98, classified as satisfactory. While generally safe, sensitive groups may experience minor breathing discomfort. Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC): 117Borivali: 80Byculla: 119Andheri: 100Chembur: 108Ghatkopar: 129Kandivali: 97Kherwadi, Bandra East: 121Bhandup West: 86
22 December,2025 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSeveral leaders of minority organisations in Bangladesh formed a human chain on Monday, accusing the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of failing to stop violence, killings and persecution of minority communities across the country. Addressing the gathering organised by the Minority Unity Front outside the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka, minority leaders said that inadequate investigations and the absence of justice had created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust in Bangladesh. Leading Bangladeshi newspaper, The Daily Star, reported that Manindra Kumar Nath, joint coordinator of the Minority Unity Front, said that Bangladeshi authorities have failed to reach out to the family of the Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das, who was "beaten and burned to death" in Bhaluka upazila in Mymensingh district on December 18 over allegations of "religious blasphemy". Slamming Yunus, Manindra Kumar said, "He claims he will build a humane Bangladesh, but in reality, he is an inhumane chief advisor." Calling on people across communities to demand the removal of Yunus, he alleged that minorities have been subjected to continued persecution since the interim government assumed power last year. Nath also voiced concerns over the upcoming February 2026 election in Bangladesh, saying minorities feared that they would not be able to participate freely. "This election will be a sham election, with no real public representation," he added. Subrata Chowdhury, a member of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said that minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, indigenous people and other small ethnic groups, were facing extreme insecurity in the South Asian nation. "Attempts are being made to spread fear ahead of the election, while those involved are facing no action. Law enforcement agencies are acting as silent spectators," he alleged. Nim Chanda Bhowmik, one of the presidents of the Council, claimed that patronage of the divisive forces and militant groups was "contributing to ongoing violence" in Bangladesh. He claimed that attacks on the media offices of Bangladeshi media outlets The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, as well as cultural organisations such as Chhayanaut and Udichi, were carried out without any effective response from the interim government. Another member of the Council, presiding over the programme, called for a proper investigation into the killing of Das in Mymensingh and demanded punishment of those responsible, urging the interim government to curb the oppression and persecution of religious and ethnic minorities. Bangladesh has witnessed escalating violence against minorities, including Hindus under the Yunus-led interim government, sparking outrage among people and several human rights organisations across the globe. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2025 04:14 PM IST | Dhaka | IANSThe results of the local body elections have firmly established the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the largest party in Maharashtra, with voters expressing strong confidence in the development agenda of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday, according to news agency PTI. According to the results announced late on Sunday, the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the NCP, dominated the elections to 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, securing 207 president posts. In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed a combined total of 44 posts. Data from the State Election Commission shows that the BJP won 117 municipal president posts, followed by the Shiv Sena with 53 and the NCP with 37. Among the opposition parties, the Congress secured 28 posts, NCP (SP) won seven, and Shiv Sena (UBT) bagged nine. Addressing a press conference in Ramgiri, where he congratulated newly-elected members and presidents of municipal councils, CM Fadnavis said the BJP has razed the opposition's fortress in Nagpur district. "Sunday's results have clearly shown that the BJP is the biggest party in Maharashtra. More than 3000 BJP councillors got elected. The people of the state have shown trust in PM Modi's development vision," Fadnavis said, according to PTI. "In Nagpur district, the BJP has made several councils Congress-free. The state government will bring huge developmental changes in the district," he added, while urging party workers not to get arrogant due to the emphatic win. The huge mandate for the Mahayuti must motivate every functionary to work more for the people of Maharashtra, he further emphasised. State revenue minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule thanked the people of Nagpur district for trusting the "double engine" government of PM Modi and CM Fadnavis. "CM Fadnavis gave Rs 6500 crore for various development projects in Nagpur district. A total of 317 councillors and 22 council presidents of the BJP got elected in Nagpur district. Party workers must prepare for the upcoming Nagpur municipal corporation elections and ensure a huge victory," Bawankule said, according to PTI. Everyone must step onto the ground to win BMC Elections 2026: Aaditya Thackeray There is an atmosphere of enthusiasm across Maharashtra, and all the party workers must get to work with full strength for BMC Elections 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Aaditya Thackeray appealed. Elections are being held for 29 municipal corporations in the state, and how many wards are won will depend on our hard work, he said. “The time we have been waiting for over the past four years has finally arrived,” added the Worli legislator. Instructing that the presentation made in Worli should reach everyone, he stressed the need to take the development work carried out by the party directly to the people. He also alleged that large-scale misinformation is being spread through digital platforms and that the Shinde faction and the BJP are misleading the people. (With PTI inputs)
22 December,2025 03:16 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentTwo flights from Srinagar airport have been cancelled by IndiGo and SpiceJet, the airport updated in a post on X on Monday. "Passengers are advised to check their flight status with the respective airline for the latest updates and alternate arrangements," the airport noted. On Sunday, IndiGo issued a travel advisory informing of affected flight operations to and from Srinagar due to dense fog in the region, affecting visibility. "As conditions evolve, some services may experience delays, and a few may need to be cancelled depending on clearance and operational feasibility," the advisory stated. The airlines further recommended passengers to check the latest flight update on the website or app before heading to the airport. "In case of cancellation, please visit goindigo.in/plan-b.html to reschedule or claim a refund," the airlines said. "We assure you that our teams remain actively engaged with the authorities to ensure operations resume smoothly once conditions improve," it added. Meanwhile, SpiceJet also shared a weather update on Sunday, noting that all departures and arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected owing to bad weather in Srinagar. The airlines also requested passengers to keep a check on their flight status via their website. Additionally, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), on Sunday, issued an advisory noting that fog conditions in parts of northern India are affecting visibility and may lead to delays or changes in flight operations at select airports. "Passengers are advised to check flight updates with their airlines through official channels and allow extra time for airport travel and formalities," AAl's advisory read. The advisory also listed the customer support contact numbers for various airlines to assist passengers. Moreover, AAl has deployed passenger assistance teams at affected airports to provide guidance and on-ground support, ensuring smooth operations and passenger safety amid dense fog conditions. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
22 December,2025 02:34 PM IST | Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) | ANIIndia and New Zealand on Monday announced the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement under which a host of domestic goods from sectors such as textiles, footwear, engineering and marine products will get duty-free access in New Zealand. India has not given any duty concessions in the dairy sector, which was a key demand for New Zealand. Under the pact, which is likely to be signed in the next three months and implemented next year, New Zealand has committed to facilitating investments of USD 20 billion into India over the next 15 years. "Elimination of tariffs on 100 per cent of its tariff lines provides duty-free access for all Indian exports," the commerce ministry said. This market access enhances the competitiveness of India's labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, marine products, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, engineering goods and automobiles, it said. It also said that India has secured commitments across a wide range of high-value sectors, including IT and IT-enabled services, professional services, education, financial services, tourism, construction and other business services, opening substantial new opportunities for Indian service suppliers and high-skill employment. The FTA provides improved entry and stay provisions for Indian professionals, students and youth, including work opportunities during studies, post-study work pathways, dedicated visa arrangements and a Working Holiday visa framework. It has also opened Skilled Employment Pathways through a new Temporary Employment Entry Visa pathway for Indian professionals in skilled occupations, with a quota of 5,000 visas at any given time and a stay of up to three years. "This pathway covers Indian professions such as AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, Indian chefs, and music teachers, as well as high-demand sectors including IT, engineering, healthcare, education, and construction, strengthening workforce mobility and services trade," it said. Establishment of dedicated Agri-Technology Action Plans on kiwifruit, apples and honey, focus on productivity enhancement, technology, research collaboration, quality improvement and value-chain development, to strengthen domestic capabilities and support Indian farmers, it said. The cooperation includes the establishment of Centres of Excellence, improved planting material, capacity building for growers and technical support for orchard management, post-harvest practices, supply chain performance, and food safety. Bilateral merchandise trade reached USD 1.3 billion in 2024-25, while total trade in goods and services stood at about USD 2.4 billion in 2024, with services trade alone reaching USD 1.24 billion, led by travel, IT and business services. "The FTA provides a stable and predictable framework to unlock the full potential of this relationship," it said. Talks on this pact began in May. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that although only five formal rounds were held for the pact, both sides remained in continuous touch for the closure of negotiations. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
22 December,2025 02:34 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIAsserting that 90 per cent of the Aravalli region will remain "protected", the Centre on Sunday rejected claims that the new definition of the Aravalli range will allow large-scale mining and cited a Supreme Court-ordered freeze on new mining leases in the region. It said a Supreme Court-approved framework provides for stronger protection of the mountain system and places a freeze on new mining leases until a comprehensive management plan is finalised. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that the SC-approved definition will bring more than 90 per cent of the Aravalli region under "protected area." Beware of Misinformation on Aravallis!Of the total area of 1.44 lakh square kilometers of the Aravalli Ranges, only 0.19% of the area is eligible for mining activities.The rest of the entire Aravalli is preserved and protected.#AravallilsSafeđź”—https://t.co/Xwil42RNxA pic.twitter.com/IWorw9EtuJ — MoEF&CC (@moefcc) December 21, 2025 Replying to queries from mediapersons after a meeting on Project Elephant and the National Tiger Conservation Authority in the Sundarbans of West Bengal, Yadav also emphasised that "no relaxation has been granted" with regard to the protection of the Aravalli region and claimed "lies" have been spread on the issue. "Stop spreading misinformation!" "Stop spreading misinformation!" he said in a post on X, amid allegations by the Congress and others that the step will destroy the Aravallis. "In the total area of 1.44 lakh square kilometres of the Aravalli, mining eligibility can only be in 0.19 per cent of the area. The rest of the entire Aravalli is preserved and protected," said Yadav, the Union minister for environment, forest and climate change. The Supreme Court, on November 20, 2025, accepted the recommendations of a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change on the definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges. According to the new definition, "Aravalli Hill is any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief" and an "Aravalli Range is a collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other". The government, however, asserted that it is "incorrect to conclude" that all landforms below 100 metres are open for mining. In an explanation issued amid the controversy over the "100-metre" criterion, the government rejected claims that mining had been permitted in areas below 100 metres and said the restriction applies to entire hill systems and their enclosed landforms and not merely to the hill peak or slope. It said the definition of the Aravalli hills and range has been standardised across states on the directions of the Supreme Court to remove ambiguity and prevent misuse, particularly practices that allowed mining to continue dangerously close to hill bases. The committee, chaired by the Environment Ministry Secretary and comprising representatives from Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi along with technical bodies, found that only Rajasthan had a formally established definition, which it has been following since 2006. "People have created confusion that you can mine below the 100 metre elevation in a hill, but it is not so... .The bottom area will be protected. And if there is a gap of 500 metres between two hills, then that area will also be considered part of the range. After this definition, more than 90 per cent of the area will be protected," Yadav said. The minister asserted that the government has taken a number of steps like the 'Green Aravalli' movement for the preservation of the mountain range and is committed to their protection. "Lies are being spread on the (definition) issue," he alleged. The sources said all four states agreed to adopt this long-standing Rajasthan definition, along with additional safeguards to make it objective and transparent. These include treating hills located within 500 metres of each other as a single range, mandatory mapping of hills and ranges on Survey of India maps before any mining decision and clear identification of core and inviolate areas where mining is prohibited. The government said the apex court has accepted the committee's recommendation to prohibit mining in core and inviolate areas, including protected areas, eco-sensitive zones, tiger reserves, wetlands and areas close to such sites, while allowing limited exemptions only for critical, strategic and deep-seated minerals in national interest. According to the Supreme Court's directions, no new mining leases will be granted in the Aravalli region until a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining is prepared for the entire landscape by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. Existing mines may continue operations only if they strictly comply with sustainable mining norms laid down by the committee. The government said district-level analysis across Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat shows that legally approved mining currently covers only a very small fraction of the Aravalli region, amounting to about 0.19 per cent of the total geographical area of 37 Aravalli districts. Delhi, which has five Aravalli districts, does not permit any mining. The government said the primary threat to the Aravallis remains illegal and unregulated mining, and the committee has recommended stronger monitoring, enforcement and use of technology such as drones and surveillance to address this issue.
22 December,2025 02:07 PM IST | New Delhi/Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentAir India on Monday said a Mumbai-bound flight returned to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue. The flight AI887 was being operated with a Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft and was airborne for about an hour after taking off around 6.30 am. “The crew operating flight AI887 from Delhi to Mumbai on 22 December decided to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue as per standard operating procedure. The aircraft landed safely at Delhi and the passengers and crew have disembarked. Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation," an airline spokesperson said in a statement. The aircraft is undergoing the necessary checks, the spokesperson added. “Our ground team at Delhi is providing immediate assistance to the passengers and alternative arrangements have been made to fly them to their destination shortly. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain top priority,” according to the airline.As per a PTI report, a source at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the plane made an air turn back as during flap retraction after take-off, the flight crew observed low engine oil pressure on the right-hand engine. The engine oil pressure dropped to zero, and the inspection is in progress, the source said.The source also noted that review of previous records does not indicate any abnormality in oil consumption. DGCA to conduct detailed probe into Air India incident The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it has taken note of the incident and has sought a detailed report from Air India. In a post on X, the ministry said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the technical issue. The ministry also directed the airline to extend all assistance to affected passengers and accommodate them on subsequent flights, reiterating that passenger safety remains paramount. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken note of the Air India flight AI-887 incident involving a technical issue shortly after take-off. The aircraft landed safely. The Ministry has sought a detailed report from Air India, and DGCA has been directed to conduct a thorough… — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) December 22, 2025
22 December,2025 01:39 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent | mid-day online correspondentCongress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday said the "demolition" of the historic Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will have catastrophic consequences for crores of people across rural India and called upon all to unite and safeguard the rights that protect everyone, reported news agency PTI. In an editorial in a leading daily titled "The bulldozed demolition of MGNREGA", the former Congress chief said the "death" of MGNREGA is a collective failure. This comes a day after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which replaces the MGNREGA and has a provision for 125 days of wage employment for rural workers. "MGNREGA realised the Mahatma's vision of Sarvodaya (welfare of all) and enacted the constitutional right to work," Gandhi said, reported PTI. "It is imperative, now more than ever, to unite and safeguard the rights that protect us all," she added, reported PTI. Gandhi said the employment guarantee scheme to deal with rural distress has now been "bulldozed and demolished". MGNREGA was a rights-based legislation inspired by Article 41 of the Constitution of India, which calls upon the government to secure citizens' right to work, she said. "Over the past few days, the Narendra Modi government worked to bulldoze MGNREGA's abolition without any discussion, consultation, or respect for parliamentary processes or Centre-State relations. The removal of the Mahatma's name was only the tip of the iceberg. The very structure of MGNREGA, so integral to its impact, has been annihilated," she said, reported PTI. She described VB-G RAM G as "nothing but a set of bureaucratic provisions". The Modi government's new Bill has restricted the ambit of the scheme to rural areas as notified by the Union at its discretion, Gandhi said. Against uncapped central allocation, there is now a pre-determined budgetary allocation that caps the number of days of employment provided in each state. The number of workdays provided are, therefore, left to the Centre's priorities rather than the people's needs, she said, adding that the all-year guarantee of employment has been finished off, reported PTI. Gandhi said one of the greatest impacts of MGNREGA was increased bargaining power of the landless poor in rural India, which elevated agricultural wages. Bargaining power will definitely be eroded under the new law: Sonia Gandhi "This bargaining power will definitely be eroded under the new law. The Modi government is attempting to suppress wage growth and that too at a time when the proportion of employment in agriculture has risen for the first time since Independence, contrary to what should have been the case," she noted, reported PTI. She also said by transferring a significant portion of the expense onto the states, the Modi government is discouraging them from providing work under the scheme. The finances of states, already under severe stress and strain, will be further devastated, the Congress leader said, reported PTI. Under the VB-G RAM G Bill, the cost-sharing pattern is 60:40 between the Centre and states, 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan states, and 100 per cent central funding for Union territories without legislatures. Gandhi further said that aside from demolishing the demand-based nature of the programme, the Modi government has ended the decentralised nature of the scheme. "The Modi government is resorting to fraudulent claims that it has enhanced the employment guarantee from 100 days (under MGNREGA) to 125 days. For all the reasons outlined above, that will certainly not be the case. Indeed, the real nature of the Modi government's intentions can be understood from its decade-long track record of throttling MGNREGA. It began with the Prime Minister's (in)famous mocking of the scheme on the floor of the House and proceeded apace through a 'death by a thousand cuts' strategy through, for instance, stagnant budgets, the use of disenfranchising technology and delayed payments to workers," she said in the article, reported PTI. Gandhi said the demolition of the right to work must not be seen in isolation but as part of the long assault by the ruling establishment on the Constitution and its right-based vision for the country. "The most fundamental right to vote is under unprecedented assault. The Right to Information has been desecrated with legislative changes that weaken the autonomy of Information Commissioners, and by wholesale exemptions from the Act for ill-defined 'personal information data," she said, reported PTI. The Right to Education has been undermined and The Forest Rights Act, 2006, was markedly weakened by the Forest (Conservation) Rules (2022), which removed the gram sabha from any role in permitting the diversion of forest land, the Congress leader said, adding that The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 has been significantly diluted. "Through the three black farm laws, the government attempted to deny farmers the right to a minimum support price. The National Food Security Act, 2013, may very well be next on the chopping block," Gandhi said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
22 December,2025 12:46 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
