The Tamil Nadu government is planning to move a resolution in the State Assembly to oppose the Union Government’s VBGRAMG Bill. This step is expected to increase the ongoing disagreement between the State and the Centre over the proposed changes to the rural employment scheme.
Sources from the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) said the State strongly objects to the new bill and the changes suggested by the Centre. The government believes that these changes may affect the original purpose of the rural job scheme, which provides employment and financial support to people in villages.
One of the main concerns is the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme’s title. The DMK leaders argue that the scheme has long been known as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), and changing its name weakens its history and legacy. They say Mahatma Gandhi’s name represents the spirit of rural development and social welfare.
Through the resolution, the Tamil Nadu government will urge the Centre to restore Mahatma Gandhi’s name and protect the scheme’s original goals. The State is also expected to stress that the programme is important for the livelihood of lakhs of rural families.
The move highlights the growing tension between the State and the Union Government over welfare policies and administrative decisions related to rural development.