Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has criticized the Congress for launching a “Save MGNREGA Movement,” alleging that it aims to shield corruption instead of benefiting rural workers. Chouhan highlighted issues within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), citing irregularities like the use of machinery over manual labor and the misallocation of funds.
Under previous administrations, social audits revealed numerous complaints, including inflated worker rolls and misrepresentation of elderly individuals as laborers. In contrast, the Union government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has allocated over Rs 8.48 lakh crore towards rural employment and development, introducing the “Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Yojana” initiative for enhanced transparency and benefits.
The revamped scheme extends guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days, imposes penalties for delayed wage payments, and strengthens provisions for unemployment allowances. It also empowers local governance bodies to determine project priorities, focusing on sustainable infrastructure development and livelihood projects for self-help groups. The government asserts that these reforms will promote self-reliance, employment, and poverty alleviation at the village level.
Farmers are expected to receive support during peak agricultural seasons through the program, with increased allocations for technical staff and employment assistants ensuring efficient implementation. The Bharatiya Janata Party defends the funding structure of the scheme, criticizing Congress for obstructing reforms and spreading misinformation. Union Minister Chouhan urged the Congress to support the initiative, emphasizing its role in combating corruption and driving rural progress.
