Shortage of funds in MGNREGS affects livelihood of 15 crore rural people, says Madurai MP

The shortage of funds for implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in 21 States was affecting the livelihood of the rural poor numbering more than 15 crore

The shortage of funds for implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in 21 States was affecting the livelihood of the rural poor numbering more than 15 crore in the country, said Madurai MP, Su. Venkatesan.

In a memorandum addressed to the Union Minister for Rural Development, Giriraj Singh, he said that though the last financial year saw a huge expenditure of ₹ 1.11 lakh crore under the scheme, the budgetary allocation is envisaged at only ₹73,000 crore for the 2021-22 financial year. “The COVID-19 ordeals of the poor are not yet over, and the exodus from urban areas to native villages has not yet returned fully. Hence, the demand is higher for MGNREGS jobs and a higher allocation has to be ensured. This aspect has not been given due attention, though the same was pointed out by Left parties during the budget presentation,” he said in the letter, a copy of which was circulated to the media.