Karnataka Legislature to Hold Special Session on MGNREGA Repeal
The Karnataka government has called a special joint session of the state legislature. This session will run from January 22 to January 31. Its sole purpose is to discuss the central government's recent decision to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Session Details and Government's Stance
The session will commence with the Governor's address to both legislative houses. Following this, the state government plans to introduce a formal resolution. This resolution will condemn the Centre's new scheme, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), commonly referred to as VB–G RAM G. This new program has officially replaced MGNREGA.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil addressed the media on Wednesday. He stated the decision for the session was made during a special cabinet meeting held that day. The cabinet also decided to formally invite the Governor to deliver the address for the joint sitting.
"The state government would act to protect public interest if the federal system infringed upon the rights of the people," Minister Patil emphasized. He explained that the session aims to foster public awareness. It seeks to help people understand the potential social and economic consequences of the new central Act.
Constitutional Requirement and Political Reactions
Minister Patil clarified a key procedural point. Initially, the government considered a shorter, two-day session. However, the format was extended due to constitutional obligations. Article 176 of the Constitution mandates that the Governor must address the first session of the legislature each year. This requirement shaped the final schedule.
When questioned about other states' silence on the issue, Patil provided a broader perspective. He noted that Punjab and Tamil Nadu have already voiced their concerns regarding the MGNREGA repeal. Furthermore, he claimed that six other states have expressed dissatisfaction with the central government's move.
The minister also outlined the government's planned course of action. "The state government had decided to approach both the 'people's court' and the court of law on this issue," he stated, indicating a dual strategy of public mobilization and potential legal challenge.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the move. Senior BJP leader R Ashoka accused the government of convening the session with "malafide intention." He labeled it a "sheer waste of money."
"A session is always convened to make laws or to discuss law and order," Ashoka argued. "But what is this session convened for?" He concluded by asserting that any resolution passed would have no real impact or legal standing.
Detailed discussions on the implications of the MGNREGA repeal and the new VB–G RAM G scheme are expected throughout the session. These discussions will precede the formal placement and potential passage of the government's condemnation resolution.
