Karnataka's Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister, K. S. Khandre, has demanded that the central government restore the 90:10 funding ratio for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. He highlighted that the Centre has spent Rs 56,492 crore on the programme between 2006 and 2026, while Karnataka's contribution during the same period stood at Rs 4,821 crore.
Disparity in Funding
Khandre pointed out that the current funding pattern places an undue burden on the state. Under MGNREGA, the central government is supposed to bear 90% of the cost, with states contributing 10%. However, recent changes have shifted more financial responsibility to states, straining their budgets. The minister argued that the original ratio must be reinstated to ensure the scheme's effective implementation in Karnataka.
Impact on Employment Generation
The MGNREGA scheme guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households. Karnataka has been a significant beneficiary, with millions of person-days of work generated. Khandre warned that the altered funding could lead to delays in wage payments and reduce the number of workdays offered, affecting the livelihoods of rural poor.
Political Reactions
Opposition parties in the state have supported Khandre's demand, accusing the Centre of neglecting Karnataka's rural development needs. They have called for a bipartisan approach to address the issue. The state government plans to take up the matter with the Union Ministry of Rural Development, seeking an early resolution.
