Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly opposing the Centre’s proposed Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAMG) Bill, 2025, which seeks to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.In his letter, Stalin warned that the new legislation would dilute the rights-based nature of MGNREGA and convert it into a budget-capped programme, undermining the guaranteed livelihood security it currently offers to millions of rural poor. He said the scheme, which has been in force for nearly two decades, has provided crucial livelihood support to economically weaker sections, especially during agricultural lean periods.
Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s experience, the Chief Minister pointed out that the state generates an average of around 30 crore person-days of work every year, disbursing nearly ₹12,000 crore in wages. During 2023-24, the state generated over 40 crore person-days, providing about ₹13,400 crore in wage support to rural workers. He cautioned that any disruption or dilution could severely impact rural households dependent on the programme.
A key objection raised by Stalin is the proposed 60:40 funding pattern, which he said would place a heavy financial burden on states. Under the present arrangement, the Centre bears full wage costs and a larger share of material expenses. Shifting this responsibility, he argued, would strain state finances already under pressure.
Stalin also criticised the increased centralisation proposed in the bill, stating that giving greater control to the Union government over allocations and implementation would weaken local governance and grassroots planning, one of the fundamental strengths of MGNREGA.
He further objected to the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme, saying it undermines the values of Gram Swaraj and the original spirit behind rural empowerment initiatives.
While welcoming the proposal to increase guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days, Stalin said such positive measures should be incorporated within the existing MGNREGA framework rather than replacing it entirely.
Urging the Centre not to proceed with the bill in its current form, the Chief Minister called for retaining and strengthening MGNREGA through consultations with states. He said Tamil Nadu is willing to participate constructively in discussions to ensure that the rural employment guarantee continues as a robust safety net for the country’s rural poor.
