CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu assembly on Friday adopted a resolution urging the Centre to continue with the MGNREGA to protect the livelihoods of the rural population in the state.
The resolution was moved by Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Referring to the latest rural employment scheme Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) introduced by the Centre, Stalin said, "The proposed new scheme replaces the MGNREGA and is designed in a manner that undermines the livelihoods of rural people across India, the financial structure of the states, the self-reliance of the local bodies and employment opportunities for the rural women."
Stalin noted that the all initiatives whether it is an infrastructure project or a scheme to uplift the livelihoods of the people, all the programmes were implemented efficiently without discrimination in Tamil Nadu.
"In several Union government projects, Tamil Nadu ranks first in India and continues to receive appreciation from various ministries," Stalin said amid thumping of desks by the Treasury benches .
Stalin alleged that the Centre was not releasing funds based on progress of a project and that the Union government deliberately avoids immediate release of funds showing a 'step-motherly' attitude towards the development of Tamil Nadu.
Under MGNREGA, Rs 1,026 crore for wages and Rs 1,087 crore for the material component remain unreleased to this day.
"Who is affected due to the delay of the funds.
It is the common people and farmers living in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu.
Why this discrimination against our state, Stalin asked.
Recalling that the DMK MPs have strongly opposed the VB-G RAM G scheme at its introduction stage, Stalin said, "All opposition parties have raised their voices together.
However, the Union government disregarding the people's voice has passed it.
This new scheme is not based on the needs of the people.
I have already written a letter to the PM regarding this on December 18, 2025.
" The Chief Minister said under the new scheme VB-G RAM G, employment to is not provided as a "Right to Work" but is based on a provisional allocation to be determined by the Centre.
Stalin also said that the name of Mahatma Gandhi has been removed and replaced with VB - G RAM G with various ulterior motives.
"This House insists that the scheme must continue under the name of Mahatma Gandhi to forever commemorate the principles and the path he laid out for this nation.
" he urged.
"This House unanimously urges the Union government to ensure that the Right to Work of rural people is upheld as per the MGNREGA, 2005 and that funding is guaranteed based on the demand for employment.
The Union government should abandon the new practice of arbitrary financial allocation based on 'provisional estimates' and continue the previous practice of demand-based funding", he said.
Under the VB-G RAM G scheme, the State government's financial contribution has been increased to 40 per cent significantly increasing the State's financial burden.
"Therefore the funding ratio should be revised to match the original MGNREGA contribution pattern," he stressed.
PTI VIJ VIJ SA 01232024 NNNN