State Labour Minister Tinku Roy has issued a firm rebuttal to what he described as “deliberate attempts to mislead the nation” about the future of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Clarifying the government’s position, Roy stated that the newly introduced “Viksit Bharat: Gram G Yojana” is not a replacement for MGNREGA, but a reinforced and upgraded version designed to expand its impact and effectiveness.
Highlighting the enhanced scope of the scheme, the Minister announced that rural households will now be entitled to 125 days of guaranteed employment, an increase from the earlier 100 days. In cases where work cannot be provided, stronger provisions for unemployment allowance have been incorporated. Additionally, to protect workers’ rights, the government has introduced compensation for delayed wage payments, ensuring greater accountability and fairness.
For the current financial year, the Centre has proposed an unprecedented allocation of Rs 1,51,282 crore, reflecting its commitment to rural employment and development. The upgraded programme will prioritize projects such as water conservation, rural infrastructure development, livelihood promotion, and disaster management, all aimed at creating self-reliant, resilient, and poverty-free villages.
Roy emphasized that the scheme is especially beneficial for small and marginal farmers, helping ensure uninterrupted agricultural activities during peak seasons. He described the initiative as a legal guarantee of employment security for rural workers and a key pillar in building “Viksit Grams”—developed villages that contribute to a stronger and more inclusive India.
Another significant reform is the increase in administrative expenditure from 6% to 9%, amounting to nearly Rs 13,000 crore. This funding will support timely and fair remuneration for panchayat secretaries, employment assistants, and technical staff, thereby improving implementation efficiency.
Calling on citizens to reject misinformation, Minister Roy urged people to recognize the scheme as a transformative step toward rural empowerment. “Let us bring the truth to the people,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency, social justice, and sustainable development.
