This week on Hafta, Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri, Jayashree Arunachalam and Shardool Katyayan are joined by Development economist Reetika Khera & ESPN’s Anirudhh Menon. 

The discussion opened with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, which replaced the UPA-era MGNREGA and was passed in Parliament.

Khera explained that MGNREGA was designed as a safety net rather than a poverty-alleviation programme. “It’s not supposed to help them live their lives,” she said. “It’s a subsistence guarantee — so you don’t starve, and you don’t have to migrate.”

Khera highlighted that the new Bill weakens the certainty built into the original law. “The 125 days are not a guarantee,” she said, adding, “What is a guarantee is the notional budget — and how much that will be is completely up in the air.”

She also pointed out that the Centre can decide where and when the Act will be notified. “There is no guarantee that it will be notified across the country,” she noted.

Jayashree added that people who enrol under MGNREGA are often those with minimal choices in their lives. “This was that one small bit of choice they had,” she said. “Workers in general have little choice. Poorer workers have far less than that, and even that is being taken away.”

She noted that while the scheme has shortcomings, it has played a meaningful role in improving lives. “MGNREGA is popular because a lot of people depend on it. It has flaws, but it has also made fundamental improvements,” she said.

The discussion then shifted to the Messi G.O.A.T. tour. ESPN’s Anirudh Menon said the visit was structured around brand promotion rather than sport. “You’re not talking to Lionel Messi,” he said. “You’re talking to brand Messi.” 

He explained that the tour involved ticketed appearances and private meet-and-greet sessions, with no football activity planned.

This and a lot more. Tune in!

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