Siddaramaiah said MGNREGA was designed to protect the poorest sections of society, including small farmers and landless labourers, and accused the Union government of dismantling a welfare programme that provided dignity and income security to crores of rural households. He alleged that the decision was taken without consulting state governments, describing it as reflective of a “dictatorial mindset.”
The Chief Minister also launched a broader ideological attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, alleging they were “anti-women and anti-Dalit” and drew inspiration from Manusmriti rather than the Constitution. He claimed the scrapping of MGNREGA would benefit corporate interests while weakening rural livelihoods and democratic institutions at the grassroots.
The VB-G RAM G Act was passed in both Houses of Parliament during the winter session and received presidential assent on December 21. The Centre has argued that the new framework will modernise rural employment and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. However, Siddaramaiah said the legislation was rushed through Parliament, introduced on December 17 and passed the following day without detailed debate or consultation with states.
Highlighting specific concerns, he said the new law curtails the statutory powers of Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats, undermining decentralised governance. He also objected to changes in funding patterns, claiming the Centre would now bear only 60 per cent of wage costs, shifting the remaining 40 per cent burden onto states. Siddaramaiah described the move as unconstitutional and an erosion of states’ rights.
Citing official data, the Chief Minister said MGNREGA currently supports around 12.17 crore registered workers nationwide, including over 6.21 crore women who account for more than half the workforce. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe workers make up a significant share. In Karnataka alone, more than 71 lakh workers are enrolled, with women comprising over 51 per cent. He said the scheme played a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy by linking agricultural activity with guaranteed employment.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these concerns, announcing a nationwide “MGNREGA Bachao” campaign. He said any dilution of the scheme amounted to an attack on the constitutional rights of millions of labourers and vowed sustained opposition until the law is withdrawn.
