Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today hitout at the Congress, alleging that the party had included the name of Mahatma Gandhi in the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 only for electoral gains.

 

In a social media post, Mr Chouhan said the Congress party had repeatedly reduced the MGNREGA budget. He said, under the Viksit Bharat: G RAM G scheme, it has been decided that decisions will no longer be made in Delhi, but at the village level. He said, Gram Panchayats will sit together and prepare their own development plans. 

 

The Minister said, under this scheme, employment has not been reduced but further strengthened. He emphasised that the number of guaranteed workdays has been increased from 100 to 125 days.

 

Mr Chouhan also highlighted that there is a provision for unemployment allowance in the new act, if work is not provided within the stipulated time. He said that the powers of the Gram Sabha and Panchayats are being further strengthened and not weakened. 

 

Mr Chouhan emphasised that the new Act makes social audits mandatory and places special focus on the active participation of women, self-help groups, and the community. He said that special arrangements have been made to ensure that the most backward Panchayats receive more funds, greater support, and enhanced opportunities.

 

The Minister added that special focus has been placed on sustainable income generation through transparent and timely payments, asset creation, and livelihood-linked works.