Naidu seeks assistance to state for enforcing new rural jobs law

The VB-G RAM G Act, which guarantees 125 days of wage employment a year -- up from the 100 days of work provided under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) -- came into effect on December 21 after receiving the assent of the President following the passage of the bill in both Houses of Parliament days before. The new law introduces a cost-sharing structure with a 60:40 share between the Centre and the states, a divergence from the 100% central funding under MGNREGA. Karnataka is the third state to reject the VB-G RAM G Act after Punjab and Telangana.

In its resolution, the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet stated that the Act “is in violation of the right to work and livelihood of the citizens as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” and warned that the proposed framework would weaken employment security for rural households.

The decision followed an extensive discussion on the proposed repeal of the MGNREGA and the implications of replacing it with the VB-G RAM G Act. The Cabinet also consulted the Advocate General on the legal and constitutional ramifications of the legislation.