Bengaluru, January 14 (NationPress) - The government of Karnataka, led by the Congress, held an urgent Cabinet meeting on Wednesday in Bengaluru, where they announced plans for a special Legislative debate from January 22 to January 31 regarding the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), commonly referred to as the VB-G RAM G Act. This initiative aims to put pressure on the Centre.

During a press conference at Vidhana Soudha, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil informed the media about the outcomes of the emergency Cabinet meeting conducted earlier that day.

“The decision was made to hold the joint sitting on Thursday, January 22, at 11:00 AM. The session will run from January 22 to January 31, focusing on measures to safeguard public and state interests,” he mentioned.

Minister Patil elaborated, “The Cabinet reached three significant conclusions. We will convene the sessions of both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council on January 22. Additionally, the Governor has been invited to address the joint session on the same day. The Chief Minister has been empowered to approve the Governor’s address.”

“A special discussion will be held to raise awareness regarding the social and economic implications of the VB-G RAM G Act. The Cabinet has resolved to organize this discussion during the joint session to inform the public about how the new Act affects society and to formulate a resolution regarding the legislation,” he stated.

The Minister asserted that the government is committed to taking appropriate actions to safeguard public interests and the welfare of the state. He emphasized that the government cannot remain passive if there are attempts to undermine the rights of the state's citizens within the federal framework.

He also indicated that the government is compelled to convene a legislative session, highlighting efforts to create public awareness and apply pressure on the Centre regarding the restoration of the MNREGA Act.

When asked why other states had not raised concerns, the Minister noted that the governments of Punjab and Tamil Nadu have expressed their worries, adding that six to seven states have voiced their opposition and dissatisfaction.

The MNREGA Act mandated not just the provision of work but also entitled beneficiaries to seek unemployment allowances if work was not available. Panchayats had the authority to determine the nature of work.

Under the new legislation, these powers have been removed from panchayats, with all decisions regarding work being centralized at the national level. He pointed out that workers who previously contributed to building rural infrastructure are now being redirected to work under contractors for road and tunnel projects.

By eliminating citizens' right to work, diminishing panchayats' decision-making powers, and centralizing authority, the new law undermines the very principle of decentralization, he explained.

For these reasons, the Cabinet has resolved to foster public awareness, facilitate a special discussion, and exert pressure on the Union government. He added that the government plans to engage not only the public but also legal avenues.

In response to allegations from BJP and JD(S) leaders challenging the government, the Minister clarified that audits in the state aim to identify irregularities, with necessary actions already implemented. He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had initially criticized MNREGA upon taking office, but subsequently praised the same scheme over the following years.