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The state leadership argues that the new legislation is harmful to the country’s rural workforce and is demanding a full reinstatement of the original employment guarantee scheme.
File photo of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah with deputy CM DK Shivakumar in the state assembly in Bengaluru. (Image: DIPR/PTI)
The Karnataka government is set to convene a two-day special legislative session to address the perceived injustice against rural labourers following the Central government’s decision to replace the MGNREGA scheme with the new VB G RAM G legislation.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced the move following a high-level meeting with Congress legislators and ministers, stating that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will soon finalise the dates for the session. The state leadership argues that the new legislation is harmful to the country’s rural workforce and is demanding a full reinstatement of the original employment guarantee scheme.
As part of a larger protest strategy, the state government has planned a massive outreach program including a five-kilometre padayatra in every taluk across Karnataka from January 26 to February 2. National leaders are expected to participate in these marches to draw attention to the issue at a federal level.
Additionally, ministers will hold press conferences at district headquarters over three days, while awareness campaigns are launched at the panchayat level to educate citizens on the implications of the legislative shift.
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar emphasised that the removal of MGNREGA represents a loss of employment opportunities worth approximately Rs 6,000 crore. He further criticised the centralisation of power inherent in the new law, noting that while panchayats previously decided on local works, the Centre will now hold that authority.
According to the Deputy Chief Minister, this move undermines the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution regarding local governance. He also highlighted the financial strain on the state, noting that no state would be in a position to bear the 40 per cent cost-sharing requirement mandated by the new federal legislation.
January 09, 2026, 11:18 IST
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