Central Government’s Amendment Threatens MGNREGA Scheme: TP Ramakrishnan

Thiruvananthapuram: LDF convener TP Ramakrishnan has warned that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), launched during the first UPA government to alleviate poverty, is on the verge of collapse following amendments made by the central government.

Previously, the entire cost of the scheme was borne by the Centre. Under the new law, 60% of the expenditure will fall on the central government and 40% on the Kerala government.

'This change effectively undermines the scheme. Millions of people depend on it for their livelihood. Workers are entitled to 200 days of employment per year with a daily wage of 600 rupees, but the new provisions make these guarantees uncertain,' Ramakrishnan said.

He added that workers across the country have already demanded the repeal of the amended law.