Tamil Nadu CM Criticizes BJP's Changes to Employment Guarantee Scheme

M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has strongly criticized the BJP-led government's proposed changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He describes the new VBGRAMG initiative as a deceptive measure that jeopardizes the livelihoods of rural poor. Stalin accuses the BJP of undermining this vital scheme while claiming to promote unity, and he highlights the severe financial implications for Tamil Nadu. The debate surrounding the VBGRAMG bill in the Lok Sabha has intensified, with the opposition demanding further scrutiny. This article delves into Stalin's arguments and the broader implications of the proposed changes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 18, 2025, 12:38 IST

Stalin's Strong Opposition to Proposed Changes

On Thursday, M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, launched a fierce critique against the BJP-led government regarding proposed modifications to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He labeled the new 'Developed India Guarantee Employment and Livelihood Mission-Rural' (VBGRAMG) as a deceptive initiative that threatens the livelihoods of rural poor. In a post on X, Stalin accused the BJP of undermining this crucial scheme while claiming to promote unity.

Stalin asserted that while the BJP claims to foster unity, it is actually attacking the livelihoods of the impoverished, with Thiru Palaniswami supporting these actions. He described the 125 days of work promised under the VBGRAMG scheme as a mere illusion. Despite a law guaranteeing 100 days of work, under BJP governance, individuals have only received 20 to 25 days of employment. He criticized the government for deceiving people by not disbursing wages and project costs on a monthly basis, leading to dire circumstances where individuals struggled to receive their dues.

In his post, he further noted that with the recent changes in regulations, which state that officials can provide work solely at their discretion and under the central government's authority, even obtaining one or two days of work has become increasingly rare. Tamil Nadu is set to face significant financial losses in fund allocation, as states will now have to bear 40% of project costs—a burden imposed on state governments already grappling with severe financial crises due to GST tax changes; this is essentially a penalty!

Stalin condemned Palaniswami's alleged support for these changes as an unforgivable act, labeling it 'green treason' against rural women and poor agricultural workers protected by MGNREGA. He stated, "To give a welcome speech at the closing ceremony of the MGNREGA scheme, which safeguards the livelihoods of rural women and poor agricultural workers, is an unforgivable act of green treason!" On Wednesday, the VB-GRAMG bill was debated in the Lok Sabha for nearly 14 hours. The opposition demanded that the proposed bill be sent to a standing committee, while the ruling BJP defended the bill vigorously, calling it a decisive step towards achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.