NDA Allies Flag Concerns Over Proposed MNREGA Replacement Bill, Seek Reconsideration on Funding

Image Source: Internet

NEW DELHI: Leaders of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal United (JDU), key allies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), have expressed reservations about the proposed Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G Ram G) Bill. The bill aims to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA) but has raised concerns among the allies regarding increased state spending and funding burdens. According to JDU lawmakers, the proposed bill will have their support, but the government has been informed about their concerns. They highlighted the challenges states will face in meeting the increased spending requirements, particularly in areas such as infrastructure projects and employment generation schemes. TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu emphasized the need for the Centre to address the concerns of states, citing the example of Andhra Pradesh's cash-strapped situation. He expressed hope that the Centre would provide the necessary support to the state. Telugu Desam Party spokesperson N Vijaya Kumar also sought reconsideration of the clause requiring states to bear 40% of the wage burden, citing the financial difficulties faced by Andhra Pradesh. A senior government functionary assured that the suggestions and inputs from the allies would be taken into consideration, stating that the new structure is balanced and sensitive to state capacity. They also noted that states can request extra support during disasters. The proposed bill aims to streamline the MNREGA scheme and increase the work days from 100 to 125, with a focus on areas where work has been doubling. However, the increased financial burden has raised concerns among the NDA allies, who are seeking a more balanced approach to the funding structure.