Tamil Nadu Erupts in Protests Over MNREGA Funding Cuts

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin leads protests against the Union Government over withholding Rs 4304 crore due under the MNREGA scheme. Demonstrations are held across 850 DMK union branches. DMK MP TR Balu highlights budgetary cuts and accuses the Union Government of attempts to eradicate the scheme.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced statewide protests against the Union Government concerning delayed payments under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). DMK, the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, has mobilized its branches across the state in response to the Union Government not disbursing Rs 4304 crore, as promised under the 100-day work scheme.

Protests are being orchestrated in 1,170 locations within 850 DMK union branches, where participants of the work scheme are urged to join. Leading the protests in Paranipudur near Chennai, DMK MP TR Balu underscored that the scheme was instituted by DMK leader M Karunanidhi, ensuring at least 100 days of employment annually for rural people.

Addressing the media, TR Balu criticized the Union Government for significantly slashing the MNREGA budget, citing an over Rs 5000 crore reduction compared to the previous year. Balu also expressed concerns over the Union Government's intention to undermine the scheme and warned that the ongoing discontent would influence the forthcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

In a show of solidarity, opposition MPs from Kerala, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have staged demonstrations outside the Indian Parliament. This issue was also highlighted by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who briefly joined the protests. Established to provide 100 days of paid work to rural households, MNREGA has been a vital source of employment in rural India since its implementation in 2006.

(With inputs from agencies.)