Anbumani raised questions on the 125-day employment scheme.
Tamil Nadu: PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has demanded that the Tamil Nadu government clarify its stance on the central government’s proposed 125-day employment guarantee scheme. He said that while the scheme is only a few days away from implementation, the state government has not yet announced whether it will adopt it. Therefore, the government should make a decision soon and clarify its position to the public.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Anbumani Ramadoss said that the central government has decided to amend the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), increasing the employment period from 100 days to 125 days. According to the central government, this new scheme will be implemented from July 1, with the aim of providing longer employment in rural areas.
He said that despite the scheme’s implementation date approaching, no official announcement has been made by the Tamil Nadu government. On the other hand, states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Puducherry have already indicated that they will implement the 125-day employment guarantee scheme. This has raised questions among the people of Tamil Nadu about whether the state government will accept this scheme.
Ambumani Ramadoss stated that under the new system, the financial share of state governments has been increased to 40 percent. If this happens, it could impose an additional financial burden on the Tamil Nadu government. He stated that before implementing any new scheme, its financial implications and administrative arrangements must be thoroughly studied.
He also stated that opposition parties have raised some objections to this scheme. The opposition alleges that the new system infringes on the authority of state governments and may limit their role in implementing the schemes. A clear response from the state government is essential to end this confusion.
The PMK leader stated that the government should make decisions not solely from a political perspective, but also with the interests of farmers, rural laborers, and local bodies in mind. He suggested that a detailed study be conducted on the potential benefits and challenges of the 125-day employment guarantee scheme. A final decision should be made after considering all aspects.
Ambumani Ramadoss stated that if the scheme provides more employment to the rural poor and increases people’s incomes, it could be a positive step. However, if the state faces significant financial burdens or practical difficulties in implementing the scheme, these aspects should also be seriously considered. Therefore, the government should make its position public without delay.
He stated that the lack of a clear announcement regarding the scheme has created confusion among rural laborers and local authorities. If the state government decides to implement the scheme, the necessary administrative preparations should be completed in a timely manner.
Ambumani Ramadoss concluded by urging the Tamil Nadu government to evaluate all aspects of the 125-day employment guarantee scheme and announce its official position as soon as possible. He stated that this would bring clarity to the rural population, local bodies, and relevant departments, and eliminate any uncertainty regarding the scheme’s implementation.
