CPI-affiliated Tamil Maanila Vivasayigal Sangam has called for the suspension of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) scheme and continuation of the erstwhile Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

In a memorandum submitted to Kumbakonam Regional Divisional Officer Thirumalai on Tuesday, the Sangam condemned the Centre for directing the State governments to bear 40% of the cost involved in the execution of 125 days of work ensured to beneficiaries under the new scheme and absolving the State governments’ power to decide the works to be taken under this scheme.

The Sangam demanded the scrapping of the new scheme and revival of the old scheme, with increase in the number of workdays to 200 from the existing 100 days and wages of ₹700 per day.