Physically challenged persons staging road roko at Vannarpettai in Tirunelveli on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: SHAIKMOHIDEEN A
Members of Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers (TARATDAC) staged a demonstration in Tirunelveli on Wednesday opposing the implementation of Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G.)The protesters said that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) guaranteed employment to all eligible applicants. However, they alleged that the transition from MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G Act has transformed the programme into a limited scheme project of the union government. They claimed once allocated funds are exhausted, job opportunities would be denied for the workers.They further pointed out that under MGNREGA the wage payments were fully borne by the union government. However currently the State governments are required to contribute 40% share in the programme cost.Highlighting that the State governments facing financial crisis may find it difficult to allocate their share, the protestors argued that it could adversely affect workers and beneficiaries.They also noted that, due to successive budget cuts by the union government, the average number of workdays provided under MGNREGA had already fallen to less than 50 in many areas. They alleged that the new VB-G RAM G Act further restricts employment by prohibiting work during peak agricultural seasons, including sowing and harvesting period. According to them, this could significantly reduce the employment opportunities for workers throughout the year.They further contended that the newly implemented VB-G RAM G Act undermines the rights of differently abled workers and institutionalise the neglect of differently abled persons.They urged the union government to revoke VB-G RAM G Act and reinstate MGNREGA. Published - July 01, 2026 08:26 pm IST
