Stalin Accuses Centre of Undermining Rural Livelihoods in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has criticized the BJP-led Union government for proposed changes to the rural employment guarantee scheme, accusing them of undermining poor people's livelihoods. He also targets AIADMK leader Palaniswami for siding with the Centre, claiming the changes are detrimental to Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has voiced strong criticism against the BJP-led Union government's proposed modifications to the rural employment guarantee scheme, alleging that they threaten the livelihoods of the impoverished in the region. Stalin accused the central government of 'hitting the stomachs of the poor' by reducing employment days and delaying wages under the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Stalin attacked AIADMK supremo Edappadi K Palaniswami for aligning with the Centre rather than defending local interests. He condemned the planned extension to 125 workdays under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) as a misguided initiative, considering the prevailing provision of 100 guaranteed days in MGNREGA.

Arguing that Tamil Nadu suffers financially due to diminished scheme allocations and unfair cost-sharing directives, Stalin questioned why Palaniswami remained silent on these adversities. He accused Palaniswami of merely masquerading pressure tactics instead of effectively opposing the Centre's strategies, labeling such actions as a 'punishment' for Tamil Nadu's past success in poverty reduction.

(With inputs from agencies.)