After months of opposition, Karnataka to roll out VB-G RAM G on July 1

Bengaluru: After strongly opposing the Centre’s VB-G RAM G Act and challenging it in court, Karnataka govt has decided to implement the new rural employment guarantee scheme from July 1, citing the need to protect rural livelihoods despite the additional financial burden on the state.Since the Centre announced the replacement of MGNREGA with Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), Karnataka had led the opposition against it. The state cabinet rejected the Act in Jan, terming it a violation of the right to livelihood and the constitutional powers of panchayats. The state also moved Supreme Court against the legislation and demanded restoration of the earlier funding pattern.Now, following Karnataka’s decision to implement VB-G RAM G scheme, other non-BJP ruled states have also adopted varied approaches.

Punjab, after initially passing a unanimous assembly resolution opposing the repeal of MGNREGA, has notified the new scheme. Telangana, Kerala and Jharkhand have consulted Karnataka on the new guidelines and made budgetary provisions for the scheme, signalling a move towards implementation.Rural development and panchayat raj minister Eshwar Khandre said govt decided to implement the scheme in the interest of rural residents, women and other vulnerable sections. The proposal has already been approved by chief minister

DK Shivakumar

, he said.

Under MGNREGA, the Centre shared expenditure with states in 90:10 ratio. Under VB-G RAM G, the ratio has been revised to 60:40, significantly increasing financial burden on states.Khandre said Karnataka will continue its legal challenge while urging the Centre to restore at least 80:20 funding ratio. He criticised the provision barring employment for 60 days during the agricultural season, calling it “unscientific” as mechanisation has reduced farm jobs. The state will raise the issue at the meeting of state rural development ministers in Delhi Sunday.