Vijay Seeks Changes To Rural Jobs Scheme
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revise key provisions of the Centre’s proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee rural employment scheme, warning that the current framework could place an additional burden of over ₹5,000 crore on the state.
Tamil Nadu Opposes Viksit Bharat Guarantee Scheme
In his letter to the Prime Minister, Vijay said the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) needs critical modifications before implementation. He argued that the present provisions could affect the smooth execution of rural employment programmes and impact people dependent on wage-based work in villages.
The Chief Minister said Tamil Nadu supports rural employment generation but wants the Centre to reconsider the scheme’s financial and operational conditions.
Centre State Funding Pattern Under Question
A major concern raised by Tamil Nadu is the proposed 60:40 cost-sharing formula between the Centre and the state for wages, materials and administrative expenses. Vijay said this marks a sharp departure from the earlier structure under MGNREGS and could strain the state’s finances.
He requested the Centre to continue 100% funding for wage and administrative components, while sharing the material component in a 75:25 ratio between the Centre and Tamil Nadu.
Rural Employment Scheme Flexibility Sought
Vijay also objected to the proposed centralised method for classifying village panchayats and allocating funds within states. He said a uniform national formula may not reflect local socio-economic conditions and could reduce the flexibility of state governments.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns over the requirement to suspend works during a fixed 60-day peak agricultural season each year. He said changing weather patterns and unpredictable agricultural timelines make such a fixed rule difficult to implement effectively.
