Under heavy security, 77,000 people witness the Republic Day parade in Delhi, while MGNREGS faces a funding crisis

Republic Day Parade Draws 77,000 Spectators Under Tight Security Amid MGNREGS Funding Crisis

The 75th Republic Day celebrations in the national capital were a grand spectacle of India’s cultural diversity and military prowess, with over 77,000 people gathering at Kartavya Path to witness the iconic parade. However, the festivities were overshadowed by a growing crisis in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), which faces severe funding shortages, leaving millions of rural workers in distress.  

Under unprecedented security measures, including drone surveillance and multi-layered barricades, the Republic Day parade unfolded with precision and pride. French President Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest, adding a touch of international diplomacy to the event. The parade featured vibrant tableaux from various states, breathtaking performances by school children, and a display of India’s defense capabilities, including the recently inducted Agni-V missile system.  

“It was a moment of immense pride to see our nation’s achievements on full display,” said Ramesh Kumar, a Delhi resident who attended the parade with his family. “The security was tight, but it didn’t dampen the spirit of the celebration.”  

While the capital celebrated, the irony of the day was hard to ignore. Just hours before the parade, reports emerged that MGNREGS, a flagship scheme designed to provide livelihood security to rural households, was grappling with a funding crisis. The scheme, which guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to every rural household, has reportedly run out of funds midway through the financial year, leaving workers unpaid and projects stalled.  

“I haven’t received my wages for the past two months. How am I supposed to feed my family?” asked Sunita Devi, a laborer from Bihar. “The government spends crores on celebrations but forgets about the poor who keep this country running.”  

Activists and opposition leaders have criticized the central government for its alleged neglect of rural welfare programs. “It’s shameful that while the government splurges on events, schemes like MGNREGS, which are a lifeline for millions, are left starved of funds,” said social activist Aruna Roy.  

The Ministry of Rural Development has acknowledged the funding shortfall but assured that additional funds will be allocated soon. “We are aware of the situation and are working to release the necessary funds at the earliest,” said a senior official.  

As the nation celebrated its 75th Republic Day, the stark contrast between the grandeur of the parade and the struggles of rural workers highlighted the challenges of balancing development and welfare. For many, the day was a reminder of the unfinished work needed to ensure that the benefits of progress reach every corner of the country.