The Karnataka government announced the withdrawal of the VB-G RAM G Bill, which aimed to weaken the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), following the repeal of the farm laws. Minister Priyank Kharge stated this decision during a press conference, criticizing the Centre’s anti-people policies. He highlighted concerns that the new bill would lead to unemployment in rural areas and suppress minimum wages, affecting women’s participation in the workforce.
The VB-G RAM G Bill, passed in Parliament without discussion, has raised issues about the future of MGNREGA. Priyank Kharge emphasized that the new scheme would remove the existing legal right to employment and shift towards a distribution-based model. He expressed worries about the reduction in women’s workforce participation and the imposition of financial burdens on state governments under central schemes.
Under the new scheme, employment opportunities will be limited to specific rural areas and subject to Union government funding allocations. The bill also restricts work availability during peak agricultural periods, unlike the year-round provision under MGNREGA. Additionally, the decision-making authority on work projects will shift from villagers to officials in Delhi, impacting local empowerment and decision-making processes.
The Karnataka government’s decision to withdraw the VB-G RAM G Bill aligns with concerns raised by Minister Priyank Kharge regarding the potential negative impacts on rural employment and livelihoods. The move comes in the wake of public discontent and protests against what is perceived as detrimental changes to the MGNREGA framework.
