India, Dec. 17 -- Economists, workers' groups and farm unions have demanded the withdrawal of a new rural jobs bill.

The proposed law would replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

Critics say it converts a legal right to work into a discretionary government scheme.

Provisions restricting work during peak farming months have raised concern.

Nationwide protests are planned for 19 December across India.

Activists, farmers, workers' groups and researchers have called for the immediate withdrawal of a proposed law to replace India's flagship rural jobs programme, warning it would weaken the legal right to work and centralise power with the Union government.

At a press conference in Delhi on December 17, 2025, ...