Karnataka legislature passes resolution against VB-G RAM G Act, calls new law ‘anti-federal’

The Karnataka government on Wednesday passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s decisions to repeal the MGNREGA and replace it with the VB-G RAM G Act, even as the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular) staged a walkout from the Legislative Assembly and the Council, 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.

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 said that although the Opposition had several opportunities to discuss the VB-G RAM G...

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