Centre sanctions about ₹2,999 crore to T.N. under MGNREGS

Ending the impasse over the non-release of funds to Tamil Nadu under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) during 2024-25, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned about ₹2,851 crore towards wage liability. Totally, the Union Ministry has set aside ₹2,999 crore, which includes allocation for the current year too.

The previous year’s total arrears is around ₹3,170 crore. Of the ₹2,851 crore sanctioned, beneficiaries belonging to the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and others will get approximately ₹740 crore, ₹43 crore and ₹2,068 crore respectively, according to a communication sent by the Union Ministry of Rural Development’s Director (MGNREGS) Sanjay Kumar recently to the Pay and Accounts Officer in the Union Ministry. A copy of the communication has been marked to the Tamil Nadu government too.

As of now, the State government has received ₹1,111 crore. In respect of material component, the arrears for 2024-25 is ₹1,246 crore. The State government is hopeful of getting the balance from the Union government.

Since November last year, non-payment of wages has remained a matter of concern for beneficiaries and the State government. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also taken up the matter with the Union government.

At one stage, Mr. Stalin alleged that the “merciless” BJP-led Union government was striving to wind up the scheme, launched by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance regime as the “backbone and blood of the rural economy”.

The ruling DMK had also staged demonstrations across Tamil Nadu to press for the release of funds. About a week ago, residents of Thirumani village in Vellore district resorted to a road roko. Early this month, in Erode district, workers of Sathyamangalam decided to abstain from work until the arrears were paid.

In Tamil Nadu, nearly 91 lakh workers belonging to 76 lakh households are actively participating in the MGNREGS. As much as 86% of employment is provided to women workers, and nearly 29% of the workers are from SC/ST households. About 1 lakh differently abled workers are covered each year. Meanwhile, the office of State Rural Development Commissioner has sent a circular to all Collectors — a proforma agenda to be transacted at the Gram Sabha’s meetings slated for May Day.