Protesters raised slogans against the Modi government and burned an effigy during the rally. They alleged that amendments to MGNREGA have weakened labour rights and reduced rural employment.

Addressing the gathering, Pandher said earlier rules ensured village-level work for labourers. He claimed new provisions have stripped workers of these rights. He alleged that the Centre has cut MGNREGA funding by nearly 40 percent. According to him, the move has reduced job opportunities in Punjab and other states.

Pandher also criticised the digital system for job allocation. He said labourers earlier applied for work through sarpanches or BDPO offices. Now, digital procedures have made access difficult for poor workers. He added that reduced panchayat powers have slowed village development works.

The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha demanded immediate restoration of the old MGNREGA law. The group sought 200 days of work annually and a daily wage of ₹700. Leaders urged the Punjab government to pass a resolution in the Assembly against labour-unfriendly central policies.

They warned that the agitation would intensify if authorities ignored their demands.

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This marks the second major decision by the central government affecting Punjab after withdrawing the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, which aimed to declare Chandigarh as an independent Union Territory.

Haryana had been demanding a separate Assembly complex in Chandigarh for administrative convenience, but the Centre has now refused the proposal, signalling no change in the current administrative arrangements of the shared capital.

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