Chennai, 16 December (H.S.) : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central government, condemning its reported move to rename and restructure the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), a key program for rural poverty alleviation.

In a strongly worded statement on social media, CM Stalin accused the Centre of systematically dismantling the scheme and called the proposal an ideological assault on both Mahatma Gandhi's legacy and the rights of rural workers.

Renaming: Stalin alleged that the BJP government, driven by deep-seated hostility toward the Father of the Nation, is attempting to remove Gandhi's name and replace it with an unpronounceable Sanskritised, North Indian name—reportedly the Viksit Bharat Rojgar and Awas Yojana. He stated this renaming reflects an attempt to dilute the spirit of the program.

Funding Pattern Change: The Chief Minister expressed serious concern over the proposed changes to the funding structure. He noted that MGNREGS was originally 100% funded by the Union government, but the new proposal intends to limit the Centre's contribution to just 60%. Stalin warned this would severely weaken the scheme and financially burden state governments.

Punishment of Success: Stalin argued that Tamil Nadu, having made significant strides in reducing rural poverty, is now being penalized for its success. As a state categorized with lower poverty levels, Tamil Nadu would likely receive reduced benefits under the revised framework, thereby depriving eligible rural workers of employment opportunities.

Stalin urged the Union government to immediately withdraw the proposed changes, cautioning that failure to do so would invite the wrath of the people across the country. Drawing a parallel to past policy reversals, he warned that public resistance would compel the Centre to step back, just as it did with the farm laws and the caste-based census.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary