MGNREGA replaced
Twenty years since the initiation of MGNREGA, a welfare policy that assured 100 days of guaranteed employment has seen an erosion and the addition of political colour. Welfare schemes, irrespective of political differences, should be left untouched and all-out efforts must be made to continue and improve the schemes, which should be the foremost priority for effective governance. The name change is inappropriate; equally so the increased financial burden on States.
Balasubramaniam Pavani,
Secunderabad
The proposed restructuring of NREGA, shifting nearly 40% of the funding onus to States, is a major alteration of a consequential social safety net. The Bill warrants scrutiny by a Parliamentary Standing Committee, given its implications for rural livelihoods, fiscal federalism and constitutional balance. States differ vastly in fiscal capacity. So, transferring expenditure responsibility without assured revenue devolution risks hollowing out the programme where it is needed most. The Finance Commission ought to append clear recommendations on compensatory devolution, either through enhanced tax shares or a dedicated fund pool for employment guarantees.
R. Narayanan,
Navi Mumbai
Renaming/replacing the MGNREGA Act with the ‘Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)’ Bill marks a shift from a proven, rights-based employment guarantee to political rebranding. While increasing workdays is welcome, it could have been done through amendments. By altering funding responsibilities and weakening central commitment, the move risks undermining rural livelihoods, cooperative federalism, and the credibility of a long-standing social safety net.
N. Sadhasiva Reddy,
Bengaluru
Published – December 17, 2025 12:24 am IST
