Bengaluru, February 5: The Karnataka Assembly has passed a resolution condemning the central government’s “VB Giramji Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act” and demanding the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in its original form. This resolution was adopted amidst strong opposition from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular).
The BJP has labeled the passing of this resolution as illegal. Opposition members walked out in protest, criticizing the resolution. Speaker U.T. Khader and Chairman Basavaraj Horatti conducted the voting in the Assembly and the Legislative Council, respectively, declaring that the resolution against the VB Giramji Act was accepted, as the Congress government secured a majority vote.
Following the passage of the resolution, proceedings in both houses were suspended. During the Assembly session, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge noted that senior BJP leader L.K. Advani had praised the NREGA scheme. He questioned the specifics of the new VB Giramji Act, suggesting that even BJP leaders lacked comprehensive knowledge about it.
BJP MP Varun Gandhi had previously raised concerns about the lives of workers in the Lok Sabha, to which the central government responded that the system is transparent. However, Minister Priyank Kharge accused the central government of altering the NREGA Act itself.
Opposition leader R. Ashok told the media that the VB Giramji Act is transparent, and the opposition is protesting because Congress agents are finding it challenging to conduct illegal activities under it. He claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made this decision in violation of regulations, and they oppose it.
Ashok emphasized that passing a resolution against the Act in the Assembly is illegal, stating that a notice should have been given seven days prior for discussion. Instead, the resolution was introduced abruptly, promoting anti-central government sentiments. A survey by the Rural Development Department revealed significant misuse of funds under the employment guarantee scheme, with amounts misappropriated through bias, fake bills, and employment for Congress agents.
He criticized the central government for not executing any work independently, asserting that all operations occur through the Rural Development Department. The Congress government hesitates to contribute its 40% share due to a lack of funds. This scheme is meant for the people and is transparent.
The NREGA scheme, now 20 years old, has been renamed in the budget under a new scheme bearing Mahatma Gandhi’s name. However, Congress has already named over 400 schemes and institutions after the Nehru family.
Previously, the employment guarantee provided 100 days of work, which has now been increased to 125 days, offering an additional 25 days of work. Extensive discussions were held with all states regarding the new scheme, and technical workshops and multilateral meetings were conducted. Congress did not oppose it at that time but is now doing so for political reasons.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that discussions with states should have occurred before implementing the Act and presenting a 60:40 financial ratio. He also remarked, “Mahatma Gandhi’s name should not be removed or insulted again. This appeal will be sent to the central government and the President.”
