Modi Government has recently replaced the flagship programme MGNREGA by a new Act called Vikshit Bharat Guarantee for Rojgar and Ajivika Gramin (VB G RAM-G). According to the new Act., the state’s share of funds for the scheme will be 90:10 for north eastern states including Manipur. Under the earlier MGNREGA, the state’s share for wages was zero and the central government bore cent percent share of wages. Due to increase in state’s share, poor state like Manipur will not be in a position to implement the scheme. This was stated by social activist Seram Neken, who is also the Spokesperson of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee.
In a social media post, Seram Neken who also contested the general elections in 2022 from Thongju Assembly Constituency, said ‘Job Card Holders will not get work for 60 days in the name of agricultural season, according to the new Act.’.
Increase from 100 to 125 mandays, as provided in the new Act, is a farce, as the state could hardly provide work for 40 days a year. He said in the video post.
Earlier, the provision of works was based on demands by job card holders, but now it will be centralised and work will depend on budget allocation by the centre.
Authority of Panchayats in the implementation of the scheme will be reduced as it will become only an implementing agency. Unemployment burden will increase.
Village development is just a rhetoric in a state like Manipur where local bodies have remained neglected with no elections held, he added.