Karnataka, Kerala legislatures pass resolutions against VB-G RAM G Act

The legislatures in Karnataka and Kerala have passed resolutions opposing the Union government’s decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act with the VB-G RAM G Act, The Hindu reported.

The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill was given assent by the president on December 21, two days after it was passed by Parliament amid protests by Opposition parties.

The new rural employment law replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, which was introduced in 2005 by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance. The scheme aimed to enhance the livelihood security of households in rural areas and guaranteed 100 days of unskilled work annually for every rural household that wants it, covering all districts in the country.

The resolution in Karnataka was passed on Wednesday even as members of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular) staged a walkout from the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council, The Hindu reported.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tabled the resolution opposing the VB-G RAM G. However, BJP and JD(S) MLAs staged an overnight protest demanding the resignation of state Excise Minister RB Timmapur amid allegations of corruption. The protests continued on Wednesday.

The Legislative Council unanimously passed the resolution late on Wednesday, with no Opposition members present.

After the resolution was passed, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar...

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