As Opposition members raised concerns over the continuation of MGNREGA under the Narendra Modi government, Union Minister for Rural Development Birender Singh assured the Rajya Sabha that the rural job guarantee scheme will not be diluted. He said the “demand driven” scheme will continue as a flagship programme of the new government, too.

Replying to a calling attention motion initiated by CPI leader D Raja, Singh said the criticism that MGNREGA is hampering agricultural activities is emanating from “big landlords.” The Centre has no intention to downsize the scheme, he added.

Earlier, Raja accused the Centre of trying to limit the scheme to just 2,500 blocks from the present 6,500 blocks across the country. Singh assured the House that the scheme will remain operational in all the 6,500 blocks and not restricted to 2,500. He also said the wage-material ratio will remain at 60:40. Singh said 18 States have asked the Centre to converge existing schemes with MGNREGA.

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