Change of MGNREGA’s name doesn’t matter if people approve: Hek
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 22: Meghalaya BJP on Thursday welcomed the 90:10 funding pattern for the implementation of the 125-day wage employment scheme under e Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, stating that it will strengthen the role of state governments in monitoring and execution.
The VB-G RAM G Act (replacing MGNREGA) shifts to a centrally sponsored scheme with a 60:40 Centre-State funding ratio for most states, 90:10 for Northeastern/Himalayan states, and 100% central funding for UTs, with states bearing costs above normative allocations, including material/admin costs, while continuing to fund unemployment allowances/compensations, a significant change from the older model where the Centre covered most wages and 75% material costs.
Speaking to reporters, BJP leader and former Cabinet Minister Alexander Laloo Hek expressed support for the revised funding ratio. He said such a pattern would ensure greater accountability and effective implementation of the scheme at the grassroots level.
According to Hek, the BJP’s focus remains on development rather than the name of the scheme. He said the 90:10 funding ratio would be beneficial as it would make state governments equal stakeholders in the scheme’s implementation.
“When any scheme is implemented, it is better that the state governments are also stakeholders. This gives them both the authority and responsibility to closely monitor how the scheme is being carried out,” the BJP leader said.
He said when funding is provided entirely by the central government, schemes are often viewed solely as a central initiative. Shared financial responsibility will strengthen coordination and monitoring, he added.
On the issue of renaming MGNREGA, Hek said changes in the names of government schemes took place in the past and were accepted. He said any decision to rename a scheme should be taken after consulting people.
“If people accept and approve the change, then the name does not really matter. What matters is development,” Hek said, adding that rural people across the country, including Meghalaya, need development and employment opportunities to secure their livelihoods.
