In a significant political move, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a sharp critique against the central government on Saturday, demanding the immediate scrapping of the newly enacted Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act. He called for the restoration of the previous UPA-era Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which he stated was a vital safeguard for the right to work.
Allegations Against the New Legislation
Siddaramaiah, speaking to the press, outlined a three-pronged attack he believes the VB-G RAM G Act mounts on the rural framework. He alleged that the legislation fundamentally undermines the right to livelihood for the poor, vulnerable sections, women, and small farmers. Unlike MGNREGA, where workers could demand work in their own villages, the new act allows the government to notify which Gram Panchayat will host the work, removing local agency.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister asserted that the law curtails the powers of panchayats, centralizing control and undermining local self-governance. A third major point of contention is the additional financial burden he claims the act imposes on state governments without prior consultation.
Congress and Karnataka Government's Action Plan
Siddaramaiah declared that both the Congress party and the Karnataka state government would take up this issue simultaneously. "We will have an action plan immediately in this regard," he told reporters. He drew a parallel to the successful protest against the central farm laws, vowing a similar fight.
"The Congress along with the public, labourers and all like-minded will fight until the VB-G RAM G Act is withdrawn, like it was done in case of farm laws," the Chief Minister stated emphatically. This positions the issue as a major point of confrontation between the Congress-ruled state and the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.
Call for Restoration of Rights
Reiterating the core demand, Siddaramaiah urged the Centre to not only repeal the new act but to fully restore the old MGNREGA framework. His appeal included restoring the people's right to work and reinstating the rights of panchayats to self-govern. He framed the NDA government's move as a direct rollback of a critical social safety net that protected the most vulnerable sections of society.
The Chief Minister's strong stance sets the stage for a potential legal and political battle over rural employment policy, making it a central issue in the ongoing tussle between the state and central administrations.
