Thiruvananthapuram: Minister M.B. Rajesh has criticized social media campaigns contending that incentives declared in the state government's welfare fund for MGNREGS and AUEGS workers are funded by the central government. In a post shared on his social media handle, Rajesh criticized Sangh Parivar for sharing blatant lies and disseminating fake news. 

Earlier, the Kerala Government issued an order announcing maternity benefits of Rs 7500 and medical expenses of Rs 10,000 for those workers under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and Ayyangali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme who become members of the welfare fund. 

Later, posts appeared on social media hailing the Narendra Modi Government for providing the benefits. Meanwhile, the minister praised Mathrubhumi for fact-checking and revealing that such media posts are bogus. 

In May, the Kerala government became the first state to launch a welfare fund for MGNREGS and AUEGS workers. The welfare fund ensures the safety and welfare of employed workers and their family members, including financial aid for education, pension, and marriage, among other benefits. As per the government estimate, 26 lakh workers will get the benefit of welfare funds in the state.