Published Feb 03, 2026 | 4:35 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 03, 2026 | 4:35 PM
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who tabled the resolution, said the Opposition could raise concerns and objections during further discussions.
Synopsis: The resolution noted that the new Act violated the Constitution-guaranteed right to life and livelihood by taking away the powers and autonomy given to the Gram Panchayats, and would defeat the objective of Gram Swaraj as envisioned by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
The Karnataka Assembly passed a resolution on Tuesday, 3 February, demanding the central government repeal the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) (VB-G RAM G) Act that had replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
The resolution also called for the reinstatement of the MGNREGA.
“With a view to protecting the right to life of the rural people of Karnataka, the Central Government should immediately repeal the VB-GRAM G Act, which is against the federal principle and is causing a severe burden on the state exchequer,” the resolution, tabled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said.
The resolution noted that the new Act violated the Constitution-guaranteed right to life and livelihood by taking away the powers and autonomy given to the Gram Panchayats, and would defeat the objective of Gram Swaraj as envisioned by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
“In the MGNREGA Act, the Central Government was to bear 100% of the wages of 100 man-days. Without consulting the states, the Centre has suddenly imposed a rule that the state governments should bear 40% of the grant. Although the new Act states that 125 man-days of work will be provided, in reality the state government will have to bear the cost of 50 man-days,” the resolution noted.
Pointing at the reduced tax share of Karnataka, it further noted that imposing 40% burden on the state amounted to a bid to jeopardise the economic security and development of Karnataka.
Opposition members, led by Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, protested the wording of the resolution. They demanded more clarity, claiming that it was only projecting the ruling government’s stance.
Siddaramaiah said that their concerns and objections could be raised during further discussions.
The resolution was passed a day after a Maha Panchayat of MGNREGA Workers in Karnataka petitioned the Indian President to immediately withdraw the VB-G RAM G act and reinstate the UPA-era employment guarantee scheme.
“We are preparing and submitting this memorandum to you from Freedom Park, where the Maha Panchayat is being held. We earnestly request your immediate intervention in our distress,” the MGNREGA Protection Coalition said in its memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu.
