Hubli, 21 Dec

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday dismissed the claim that the recently passed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill is an attempt to snatch employment opportunities from people.

"It is the most progressive bill. Some people are opposing it, claiming it will snatch employment opportunities in rural areas, which is false. It will bring transparency, and the number of job days has been increased from 100 to 125. It will improve rural infrastructure, support higher employment and consumption, and help in reverse migration," the Union Minister said.

Congress leader KC Venugopal accused the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-led Centre of dismantling the MGNREGA act, saying that it has been reduced from a legal right to a "favour".

However, Union Minister Shivraj Singh dismissed the claims stating "Misinformation is being spread, whereas the truth is that the Viksit Bharat G Ram G Scheme is the next step forward for MGNREGA. Worker brothers, now it's not 100, but a legal guarantee of 125 days of work.

Provisions for unemployment allowance in case work is not provided have been further strengthened. If wages are delayed, provisions have also been made to provide additional amounts.”