Karnataka to Hold Joint Legislature Session on MGNREGA Repeal Implications
The Karnataka government will hold a joint session of the legislature between January 22 and 31, 2026. This session will focus on discussing the implications of the Centre's decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the new Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, commonly known as VB-G RAM G.
Cabinet Decision and Session Details
In an emergency meeting on Wednesday, the Karnataka Cabinet decided to hold this special discussion. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil announced the plan to reporters. He explained that the joint session will last for five days within the specified dates. The final schedule will be confirmed by the Assembly Speaker.
The primary goal is to create awareness about the social and economic impacts of the new Act on the people of Karnataka. The Cabinet aims to pass a resolution during this session to address these concerns formally.
Technical Reasons for Joint Session
Initially, the government considered a special legislature session. However, due to a constitutional provision, the first legislative session of a calendar year must begin with the governor's address. This technicality prompted the shift to a joint session instead.
Minister Patil clarified this point, stating, "In view of this technical reason, we are advancing the session. Instead of a special session, it will be a joint session." He added that discussions on both MGNREGA and its replacement, VB-G RAM G, would commence simultaneously.
Key Concerns and Opposition
Karnataka has raised several objections to the VB-G RAM G Act. The state government opposes two main aspects:
- A four-fold increase in the states' share of expenditure under the new scheme.
- A centralized decision-making system that removes powers from panchayats to decide on local works.
These changes could significantly affect rural employment and governance in Karnataka. The state fears that the new Act might undermine local autonomy and increase financial burdens.
Political Stance and Future Steps
When asked about potential conflicts with the Union government, Minister Patil emphasized the state's commitment to protecting its people's interests. He said, "For the interests of the people and state, the Government will take a suitable step. If the rights of our people are taken away, the Government cannot sit quiet."
This statement highlights Karnataka's readiness to challenge central decisions that it perceives as detrimental to its residents. The joint session will serve as a platform to formalize this stance and explore possible actions.
Preparation and Authorization
The Cabinet has authorized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to clear the governor's speech for the joint legislature session. This step ensures that all procedural requirements are met before the discussions begin.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, has been actively involved in efforts to save the MGNREGA scheme. They recently participated in a meeting organized by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) to strategize for panchayat elections and address MGNREGA-related issues.
The joint session represents a critical move by Karnataka to engage with the Centre's policy changes. It underscores the state's proactive approach in safeguarding rural employment and local governance structures.
