In a dramatic confrontation at Banaras Hindu University, law enforcement intervened to stop the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ march, described by NSUI President as entirely peaceful. The protest against potential dismantling of the flagship rural jobs program drew hundreds of students chanting slogans for labor rights preservation.
Organizers framed the rally as a desperate call to arms for MGNREGA, which employs over 50 million households yearly. Recent budget whispers of reduced allocations fueled fears of job losses in villages already reeling from agrarian distress. Marchers waved banners decrying ‘corporate takeover’ of public welfare schemes.
Police presence escalated quickly, with officers forming human chains to deter forward movement. NSUI chief lambasted the response as ‘anti-democratic’, alleging political pressure to silence voices critical of central policies. University sources countered that such gatherings risk academic disruptions during exam season.
The face-off ended without violence, but not before social media erupted with videos of the standoff. Broader context reveals MGNREGA’s evolution from emergency relief during pandemics to a permanent safety net, credited with reducing rural migration. Critics, however, point to leakages and corruption plaguing execution.
NSUI’s bold move signals a resurgence in student-led advocacy, reminiscent of past movements against fee hikes or reservations. With elections looming, this could amplify opposition narratives on unemployment. Stakeholders watch closely as BHU remains a hotbed for ideological clashes.