Chennai, Oct 28: Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged the Union government to promptly release funds amounting to Rs 2,696 crore under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS). These funds are crucial to pay the wages of unskilled workers participating in the program.
In a letter addressed to Union Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Giriraj Singh, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized Tamil Nadu’s consistent high performance in implementing MNREGS. The state boasts a remarkable track record with 92.86 lakh households issued job cards. Furthermore, around 91.52 lakh workers from 76.15 lakh households are actively engaged in MNREGS activities on a regular basis.
Stalin’s appeal to Union Minister Giriraj Singh specifically requests the immediate release of the total wage liability amount of Rs 2,696.77 crore to Tamil Nadu. This substantial sum is vital to ensure the timely payment of wages to the state’s unskilled workers.
The Chief Minister also called for personal intervention from the Union Minister to secure additional funds for the unskilled workers. He highlighted that for the fiscal year 2023-24, the Government of India (GoI) had released Rs 4,903.25 crore for unskilled wages up to July 19, with an additional Rs 1,755.43 crore sanctioned for payment on September 25. However, only Rs 418.23 crore of the sanctioned amount had been partially released, leaving a significant balance of Rs 1,337.20 crore yet to be credited to the workers’ accounts.
Furthermore, an additional liability of Rs 1,359.57 crore for wages in the subsequent weeks remains unpaid. As of October 20, 2023, the accumulated wage liability for Tamil Nadu’s workers has reached Rs 2,696.77 crore.
Chief Minister Stalin highlighted the critical role of MNREGS, especially during periods of monsoon, cyclonic rains, and agricultural activities, which result in increased demand for employment opportunities. Despite Tamil Nadu’s request for 40 crore person-days in the current fiscal year, the Government of India approved only 28 crore person-days.
Stalin pointed out that, as of October 23, Tamil Nadu has already achieved 31.15 crore person-days, providing employment to 76.06 lakh workers from 66.26 lakh households. MNREGS plays a significant role in providing livelihood opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, destitute women, women-headed households, differently-abled workers, and those seeking additional income during lean agricultural seasons.
The Chief Minister further cited the heartfelt request made by MNREGS workers during his recent visit to the Kattankulathur Panchayat Union in Chengalpattu District, underlining the urgency of releasing unpaid wages under MNREGS in light of the upcoming festive season.