Siddaramaiah Calls for Restoration of MGNREGA and Abolition of VB–GRAMG

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made a fervent appeal to the central government, urging the abolition of the VB-GRAMG scheme and the reinstatement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He stressed that the repeal of MGNREGA has dismantled the constitutional right to work for marginalized communities, including Dalits, tribals, and women.

During a resolution presentation in the Karnataka Assembly, Siddaramaiah highlighted the limitations of the new VB-GRAMG, which he argues will elevate unemployment and lessen the empowerment of rural women. He criticized the central government for not consulting states before repealing MGNREGA and introducing the VB-GRAMG scheme.

The Chief Minister called for the restoration of panchayat rights and a revision of the cost-sharing formula that burdens states. He accused the central scheme of being guided by regressive principles, demanding the reinvigoration of MGNREGA to safeguard the rights and empower rural communities.