The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to continue the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in the name of Mahatma Gandhi, reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting the rights and livelihoods of rural workers.
The resolution was moved amid widespread concerns over the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G), which has replaced the long-standing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) at the national level.
Critics argue that the new law, by removing Gandhi’s name and altering key provisions, undermines the original spirit and intent of the rural job guarantee programme.
During the Assembly debate, members highlighted how the rural employment scheme has been a vital support for millions of families in Tamil Nadu, ensuring wage work and social security for vulnerable groups including women, scheduled castes and tribal communities. They pointed out that delays and shortfalls in fund releases under the new structure have negatively affected the scheme’s implementation, and they urged the Centre to revert to the earlier MGNREGA framework with full funding based on actual demand.
The resolution calls for continuing the employment guarantee programme under the Mahatma Gandhi name, maintaining its original demand-driven funding pattern and protecting the livelihoods of rural workers without increased financial burden on states. It also emphasises the historical legacy of MGNREGA in uplifting rural households and the symbolic importance of retaining Gandhi’s name in the scheme.
In moving the resolution, the state has signalled strong opposition to the changes introduced by the VB-G RAM G Act and reaffirmed its stance on preserving the rights of rural workers and ensuring stable employment opportunities across Tamil Nadu’s villages.