Jalandhar Cantt-A crucial preparatory meeting for the upcoming MGNREGA Bachao Sangram, scheduled for 14 February, was held today at the Jammu Congress Office under the leadership of Pargat Singh, the distinguished former Indian hockey Olympian. The meeting saw the participation of senior Congress leaders, party workers and grassroots activists dedicated to defending rural employment rights.
In the photograph shared from the event, Pargat Singh is seen seated at the front, identifiable by his purple turban and attentive posture. The gathering took place in the presence of key Congress figures, with party banners and leadership portraits displayed in the backdrop, highlighting the significance of the moment.
Addressing party workers, Pargat Singh emphasised that MGNREGA is the backbone of rural India—offering dignity, stability and livelihood to millions of families. He stated that any attempt to weaken, underfund or delay the scheme directly attacks the economic survival of vulnerable rural households. He stressed that protecting MGNREGA is both a political duty and a moral responsibility.
Reviewing the arrangements for the February 14 movement, he urged the Jammu & Kashmir unit of the Indian National Congress to ensure strong mobilization from villages, labour groups, women workers and youth volunteers. He underlined the need for a peaceful but powerful democratic expression to send a clear message to the central government about the seriousness of rural distress.
The former Olympian drew on his sporting discipline, reminding workers that democratic struggles demand the same determination, teamwork and resilience as national sports. He said that just like every player deserves fairness, every rural labourer deserves assured employment, timely wages and complete respect.
Congress leaders from Jammu also pledged full cooperation, noting that defending MGNREGA is not merely a political fight but a fight for justice and dignity of India’s most marginalised. They stressed that the upcoming campaign will echo across states, uniting voices in support of rural rights.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolution to stand firm until every worker’s right under MGNREGA is fully safeguarded. The strong presence of leaders, including Pargat Singh, reinforced the party’s unwavering commitment to protecting India’s largest rural employment guarantee programme.