Bengaluru, Feb 4 (NationPress) In a decisive move, both Houses of the Karnataka legislature passed a resolution denouncing the Centre's initiative to implement the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act. They called for the reinstatement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in its original form, despite significant opposition from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular).

Contrarily, the BJP asserted that the resolution against the VB-G RAM G Act, passed in the Legislative Assembly, is unlawful.

Opposition members staged a walkout in response to the resolution. The Speaker U.T. Khader and the Chairman Basavaraj Horatti conducted votes in both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council, confirming that the resolution against VB-G RAM G was accepted, as the votes aligned with the ruling Congress government.

After the resolution's passage, both Houses were adjourned sine die.

During the Legislative Assembly session, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Minister Priyank Kharge remarked that senior BJP leader L.K. Advani once lauded the NREGA scheme. He questioned the specifics of the newly introduced VB-G RAM G Act, suggesting that even BJP leaders are unaware of its contents.

BJP MP Varun Gandhi previously questioned the government regarding workers' welfare in the Lok Sabha, to which the Central government claimed transparency. Yet, Minister Kharge accused the Central government of altering the fundamental MGNREGA Act.

In a statement to the press, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka claimed the VB-G RAM G Act is transparent, asserting that opposition arises because it complicates illegal activities for Congress agents. He emphasized that the Chief Minister's decision violates regulations, and they stand opposed to it.

He further argued that passing a resolution against the VB-G RAM G Act within the Legislative Assembly itself is illegal, citing a lack of prior notice and discussion. Instead, the resolution was rushed through, aimed at undermining the Central government. A survey by the Rural Development Department revealed misuse of funds amounting to Rs 16,019 crore in 31,624 cases during 2023–24, along with further misuse in subsequent years attributed to favoritism and fraudulent activities.

The Central government, he noted, does not implement projects independently but relies on the Rural Development Department. The Congress government hesitates to provide its 40 percent share due to financial constraints while claiming credit for a people-oriented scheme. The NREGA scheme, now 20 years old, has been rebranded, with a scheme named after Mahatma Gandhi, while over 400 schemes and institutions have been linked to the Nehru family.

Previously, the Employment Guarantee scheme offered 100 days of work, which has now increased to 125 days, providing an extra 25 days. Extensive discussions were conducted with state governments regarding the new scheme, during which the Congress did not express opposition, but now they do so for political reasons, Ashoka claimed.

He highlighted that the 2013 CAG report identified over 4.33 lakh fake job cards, leading to significant financial losses, and the validity of job cards has been reduced from 5 years to 3, with a comprehensive review every 3 years.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing the resolution in the Assembly, stated, "There was no prior discussion with States before implementing the Act. Discussions should have occurred before introducing the 60:40 funding ratio."

He emphasized the importance of economic empowerment for women, Adivasis, and small farmers, arguing that the VB-G RAM G Act must be fully retracted in favor of restoring MGNREGA. He reinforced that the people’s right to employment must be reinstated and called for restoration of panchayat powers, demanding a minimum wage of Rs 400 nationwide.

"The name of Mahatma Gandhi should remain respected, and he should not be insulted again. This appeal will be forwarded to the Central government and the President," Siddaramaiah concluded.