Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, has announced a major statewide agitation to protect the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. He accused the central government of suppressing the vital rural jobs program, leading to a massive annual financial loss for the state.
State-Wide Protests Planned from Republic Day
Shivakumar revealed the plan while speaking to media personnel at the Mangaluru International Airport on Saturday. The campaign to save MGNREGA will be formally launched on January 26, 2024. As part of this movement, a march spanning 5 to 10 kilometers will be organized in every assembly constituency across Karnataka.
The deputy chief minister provided stark figures to underline the impact of the central government's alleged actions. He stated that the suppression of the scheme has blocked projects worth an average of Rs 1 crore per panchayat. Cumulatively, this amounts to a staggering Rs 6,000 crore annually that is not reaching rural Karnataka for employment and development works.
Grassroots Mobilization and Special Assembly Session
The protest is designed to be a sustained grassroots effort. Shivakumar detailed that from January 6 to February 2, marches will be held at the taluk level, actively involving panchayat members and beneficiary workers. The objective is to raise public awareness about the adverse effects the fund cuts are having on rural economies and livelihoods.
In a significant political move, the state government is also considering calling a two-day special session of the legislature. This session would specifically discuss the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, commonly referred to as VB-G RAM G. The government aims to use this platform to highlight the issue and build consensus against the central government's decision.
"The fight will continue until MGNREGA is reinstated," Shivakumar asserted, indicating a prolonged confrontation with the Centre on this matter.
On Other Political Developments
When questioned about his recent visit to Assam, Shivakumar remained brief, stating it was a party-assigned responsibility and that he would discuss it with party leaders internally.
Regarding the Governor's return of three bills sent by the state government, he deferred the query, suggesting that the media should ask the Chief Minister, who was expected to arrive in Mangaluru shortly.
The announcement sets the stage for a significant confrontation between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the BJP-led central government, with the flagship rural employment scheme at the center of the dispute.
