Kerala CM Sounds Alarm over Centre's MGNREGA Replacement Bill, Warns of Devastating Consequences
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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep concerns over the Centre's decision to replace the 20-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill. The proposed VB-G RAM G Bill, passed by Parliament, aims to overhaul MGNREGA. However, the chief minister's letter highlights several alarming provisions that could severely impact states like Kerala. A major concern is the reduction of the central government's share of wages from 100% to 60%. This shift would result in a significant financial loss for Kerala, estimated at ₹3,500 crore annually. Vijayan argues that the Centre's decision undermines the principles of decentralisation, contradicting the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. The chief minister also emphasizes that the MGNREGA has been instrumental in providing employment to those in need, particularly in rural areas. Kerala has been a trailblazer in implementing the employment guarantee scheme efficiently. However, the proposed changes would transform the system into a centralized model, negatively impacting states that have made significant strides in its implementation. Vijayan's letter urges the Centre to reconsider the implementation of the VB-G RAM G Bill, citing the importance of maintaining the scheme's original name and spirit, which is deeply rooted in Mahatma Gandhi's vision of social welfare.
