Agartala, December 22, 2025: Tripura’s Labour Minister Tinku Roy has strongly criticized what he described as “deliberate attempts to mislead the nation” by spreading misinformation about the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He asserted that the newly launched “Viksit Bharat: G RAM G Yojana” is not a replacement but an advanced and strengthened version of MGNREGA.

The scheme now guarantees 125 days of employment, an increase from the earlier 100 days. In cases where work is not available, stronger provisions for unemployment allowance have been introduced. To protect workers’ rights, additional payments will be made if wages are delayed. For the current year, a massive allocation of ₹1,51,282 crore has been proposed to ensure sufficient funds for employment and rural development. The scheme will also prioritize projects such as water conservation, rural infrastructure development, livelihood activities, and disaster management, aimed at building self-reliant and poverty-free villages.

Roy emphasized that the scheme has been designed to safeguard small and marginal farmers during agricultural seasons, ensuring they face no disruption in their work. He described the initiative as a law that guarantees employment security for the working class and contributes to building “Viksit Grams” (developed villages) as part of the vision of a developed India.

Another significant decision is the increase in administrative expenditure from 6% to 9%. Out of the proposed allocation, this amounts to nearly ₹13,000 crore, which will be used to ensure timely and fair salaries for panchayat secretaries, employment assistants, and technical staff. Roy said this measure will enhance efficiency in implementing the scheme.

Concluding his remarks, Roy urged citizens to reject misinformation and recognize the scheme as a powerful step toward rural empowerment and national development. “Let us bring the truth to the people,” he said.