Scrap VB-G RAM G Act, bring back MGNREGA for rural job rights: Siddaramaiah to Centre

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday (January 3, 2025) said that his government demands the Centre to scrap the new VB-G RAM G Act and to bring back the UPA-era MGNREGA that “gave the right to a job to poor, vulnerable, women and small farmers” .

He alleged that the new legislation takes away the right to livelihood, the powers of panchayats, and added additional burden on finances of States.

“The NDA Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has passed a legislation called VB-G RAM G Act, which repealed MGNREGA that gave poor and vulnerable sections of the society, women, and small farmers the right to demand work at their place [village]. Now in the new VB-G RAM G Act, the government will notify in which Gram Panchayat the work should be taken,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that both the Congress party and the State Government will take up the issue simultaneously and asserted, “we will have an action plan immediately in this regard”.

“The Congress, along with the public, labourers, and all like-minded, will fight until the VB-G RAM G Act is withdrawn, as was done in case of farm laws,” he added.

Speaking on the impact of the new legislation, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “The Modi Government has done three things with the VB-G RAM G Act. It has taken away the right to livelihood of the vulnerable sections of society, particularly women, the poor, and small farmers. It has taken away the powers of the Panchayat, and it has also added a financial burden to the States without any consultation. They have not consulted the people either,” he added.

The CM said, “The State Government urges the Centre to scrap the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, and bring back the UPA-era MGNREGA.” He further added, “We also urge to restore people’s right to work, and restore the rights of panchayats to self-govern.”