Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has launched a sharp critique against the central government's recent decision to replace a flagship rural employment scheme. The Chief Minister's strong remarks came in response to the Centre's move to substitute the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new legislative proposal.
Centre Proposes New Mission, Sparks Controversy
The controversy stems from the central government's decision to introduce the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025. This proposed legislation is intended to take the place of the long-standing MGNREGA scheme. The announcement was made public on 16 December 2025, and it has since ignited a significant political debate, with leaders from opposition-ruled states voicing their concerns.
Siddaramaiah's Strong Opposition
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, leading the Congress government in Karnataka, did not mince words in his criticism. He portrayed the Centre's decision as a step that could undermine the social security net for India's rural poor. The MGNREGA scheme, which guarantees 100 days of wage employment per financial year to every rural household, is seen by many as a critical safety net.
Siddaramaiah argued that replacing this established programme risks diluting the legal guarantee of employment that has provided economic resilience to millions of workers, especially during agricultural lean seasons and economic downturns. His statement reflects a broader apprehension about the potential implications of the new Viksit Bharat Guarantee mission on the fundamental right to work in rural areas.
Political and Policy Implications
This development sets the stage for a fresh confrontation between the opposition-ruled state of Karnataka and the central government. The move touches upon a core policy area concerning rural development, poverty alleviation, and federal relations. The replacement of MGNREGA, a scheme with a vast nationwide footprint, represents a major policy shift whose details and implementation framework will be closely scrutinised.
As of now, the full text and specific clauses of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 are awaited. The debate is likely to intensify in Parliament and in public discourse, focusing on the continuity of benefits, the scope of the employment guarantee, and the funding mechanisms under the proposed new system.
