TN Assembly passes resolution, asks centre to protect MGNREGS and retain its core principles

TN Assembly passes resolution, asks centre to protect MGNREGS as the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a strong resolution urging the Union government to safeguard the original structure, funding pattern, and identity of the rural employment guarantee programme. The move comes amid concerns over the Centre’s decision to rename the scheme and alter its financial framework.

The resolution was moved by Chief Minister M K Stalin during the Assembly session on Friday. It called upon the Union government to retain the demand-driven nature of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), preserve the existing cost-sharing structure, and continue using Mahatma Gandhi’s name in the programme.

The House expressed concern over the renaming of MGNREGS as Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), popularly referred to as VB-G RAM G. According to the resolution, changing the name and structure of the scheme weakens its legal and social foundation and creates uncertainty among rural workers who depend on it for livelihood security.

Alliance parties of the ruling DMK supported the resolution. While the AIADMK stated that it did not believe the scheme would be scrapped, it chose not to oppose the resolution during the voice vote. BJP members were absent from the House on the day of the discussion.

Assembly passes key resolution to safeguard rural job scheme

Speaking in the Assembly, Chief Minister Stalin said the rural job guarantee scheme is not merely a welfare programme but a legal right guaranteed under the MGNRE Act, 2005. He stressed that any dilution of its demand-based funding model would directly harm rural households, especially women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. With wide support, the resolution passes despite political differences among parties.

The resolution urged the Centre to continue releasing funds based on actual employment demand and state performance, rather than discretionary or capped allocations. It also opposed any move to increase the states’ financial burden by raising their share to 40%, warning that such a change would strain state finances and affect implementation.

Stalin pointed out that Tamil Nadu has consistently been one of the best-performing states under MGNREGS. Around 65 lakh households in the state benefit from the scheme every year, providing employment to nearly 74 lakh workers. More than 85% of them are women, making the scheme a critical pillar of rural economic stability.

The Chief Minister highlighted that delays in fund release have become a recurring issue. For the current financial year, more than ₹1,000 crore in wage payments and material costs under MGNREGS were still pending. Similar delays were reported in other centrally sponsored schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, affecting rural infrastructure and livelihoods.The resolution passes at a time when rural employment remains a major concern for Tamil Nadu.

According to Stalin, despite Tamil Nadu’s strong performance and repeated recognition by Union ministries, funds are often released late or partially. He described this as discriminatory treatment that undermines cooperative federalism.

Resolution passes with wide support amid funding concerns

Another major concern raised in the resolution was the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme. The Assembly stated that Mahatma Gandhi symbolises dignity of labour, self-reliance, and rural empowerment, values that are central to the employment guarantee programme.

The House urged the Union government to restore the original name — Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme — and avoid rebranding that, according to the resolution, serves no practical purpose and creates confusion at the grassroots level.

Responding to opposition members, Stalin said the resolution was not politically motivated but reflected the voices of rural workers who rely on the scheme for survival during agricultural lean seasons. He expressed hope that the concerns raised would be taken up seriously at the national level. Also Read: TN Assembly passes resolution opposing VB-G RAM G Bill, urges Union to retain MGNREGA

Conclusion

The adoption of the resolution reflects Tamil Nadu’s firm stand on protecting MGNREGS as a rights-based welfare programme. By calling for timely funding, structural continuity, and respect for federal principles, the Assembly sent a clear message that rural livelihoods cannot be compromised through policy changes made without wider consultation.