Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay
| Photo Credit:
Even as the TVK-led Tamil Nadu government indicated that it is on board to implement the new Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) scheme in the state and issued a gazette notification earlier this week, TN CM Joseph Vijay on Wednesday requested PM Modi for a set of modifications to the scheme.The changes requested by way of a letter to the PM span six key areas, including more favourable funding terms, the State’s control over fund distribution, flexible declaration of peak farm seasons, inclusion of State housing schemes, delegating authority to the State to notify and approve schemes for convergence, and others.Gandhi's legacyInterestingly, CM Vijay has also requested that the programme continue to carry the name Mahatma Gandhi, arguing that this would honour his legacy and preserve public goodwill associated with the rural employment guarantee programme.Earlier this week, the TVK government issued a notification to implement the VB-G RAM G in the current form in the State, and with this, it took a position opposite to that of the previous DMK government, which had strongly opposed the new rural employment scheme.The VB-G RAM-G scheme replaces the UPA-era Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). While under MGNREGA, the Union government completely funded the wage bill, VB-G RAM-G operates under a 60:40 Centre-State cost-sharing model.In its current form, the VB-G RAM G scheme works out to a ₹12,642-crore scheme in Tamil Nadu, and with a 60:40 sharing for the Union and State governments, the former’s contribution will be ₹ 7,585 crore and the latter’s ₹5,057 crore.“As MGNREGS operated under a different structure for two decades, this abrupt shift places an unsustainable strain on the State exchequer, which may reduce available wage employment days or crowd out other essential welfare schemes. I therefore request that 100 per cent funding be maintained for the Wage and Administrative components, with the Material component shared on a 75:25 basis between the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu,” CM Vijay said in his letter to PM Modi.Citing extremities in climate conditions, Tamil Nadu is also requesting that, instead of advance notification, authority should be decentralised to District Collectors to notify the 60-day peak agricultural season as per local conditions.Further, he also requested that including State Housing Schemes under the VB-GRAMG framework would significantly accelerate these welfare targets and help in ensuring housing for all.“With these vital adjustments, the scheme can be executed with greater strategic vision, maximum local impact, and a sharper focus on rural empowerment. I look forward to your favourable consideration of these proposals,” the CM said in his letter.Taking to social media, former finance minister Thangam Thennarasu said on Wednesday that the State governments have been burdened with additional financial responsibility with the VB-G RAM G. With the devolution of funds by the Centre to States also coming down, this will lead to fiscal strain on Tamil Nadu and should be opposed by the TVK government, he said.Published on July 1, 2026
