Massive Irregularities Alleged in Tamil Nadu’s 100-Day Work Scheme
Serious allegations of large-scale corruption have emerged regarding Tamil Nadu’s 100-day work scheme. Officially known as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), this program is funded by the central government and is intended to provide employment opportunities in rural areas.
Implementation of the 100-Day Work Scheme and Allegations
The scheme is currently being implemented in 12,525 village panchayats across Tamil Nadu. Its primary objective is to provide assured employment to rural communities, particularly those from Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
However, recent reports suggest that the scheme is plagued by severe irregularities, including:
- Commission taken from beneficiaries
- Wages paid to people who did not actually work
- Procurement of materials at inflated prices
- Diversion of funds to other rural development projects
Major Corruption in Virudhunagar District
In Virudhunagar district alone, reports obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveal that ₹112 crore (1.12 billion rupees) has been misused over the past 10 years. This financial mismanagement raises serious concerns about the misappropriation of public funds, prompting demands for a thorough investigation.
Total Funds Allocated to Tamil Nadu
Over the last four years, the central government has allocated ₹39,339 crore (393.39 billion rupees) to Tamil Nadu under this scheme. The emergence of corruption allegations despite such massive funding has shocked the public and raised widespread anger.
Public and Activists Demand Action
Authorities have yet to take strict action against those responsible for these irregularities, leading to growing frustration among social activists and the general public. Many are now calling for a judicial investigation into the mismanagement and demanding harsh penalties for the officials involved.
The 100-day work scheme is a crucial initiative aimed at uplifting rural communities by providing employment opportunities. However, due to corruption and mismanagement, the scheme’s benefits are not reaching the people as intended. To restore public trust and ensure transparency, both the Tamil Nadu and central governments must conduct an in-depth investigation and implement stricter oversight mechanisms.
