Karnataka Slams 'Anti-People' VB-G RAM G Act, Heads to Court

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Bengaluru: In a move to protect the rights of rural citizens, the Karnataka Cabinet has unanimously decided to reject the newly enacted VB-G RAM G Act and challenge its validity in court. The Act, which aims to provide 125 days of wage employment per year, was passed by Parliament on December 21 and received the President's assent. The Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, argues that the Act is against the spirit of the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee the right to work and livelihood of citizens. They claim that the cost-sharing structure, where the Centre bears 60% and the states 40% of the costs, is a divergence from the 100% central funding under MGNREGA. Karnataka is the third state to reject the VB-G RAM G Act, following Punjab and Telangana. The Cabinet's resolution states that the Act tramples upon the legitimate rights of Panchayats and compromises the bottom-up planning approach. The Cabinet has also raised concerns over wages and work allocation, stating that the Act affects the social and economic rights of rural people. They claim that the Act defeats the spirit of 'GRAM SWARAJ' as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi, where Panchayats have the freedom to choose works and set priorities. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been a vocal critic of the Act, saying it will ruin the lives of the poor, particularly women, Dalits, small farmers, and other vulnerable groups. The Cabinet has decided to take the matter to the people by holding special Gram Sabhas and challenging the Act's validity in court.