Karnataka Rejects New Employment Law, Vows to Challenge Validity in Court
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In a move that's set to spark a constitutional showdown, the Karnataka Cabinet has unanimously decided to reject the newly enacted VB-G-RAM-G Act and challenge its validity in court. The Act, which guarantees 125 days of wage employment a year, was passed by Parliament last month and came into effect on December 21. However, the Karnataka government claims it's in direct conflict with the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution, which enshrine the right to work and livelihood for citizens. The VB-G-RAM-G Act shifts the funding burden to a 60:40 share between the Centre and states, a significant departure from the 100% central funding under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This change has raised concerns about the Act's impact on rural households, particularly the most vulnerable sections of society. Karnataka is the third state to reject the Act, following Punjab and Telangana. The state's cabinet, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has consulted the Advocate General on the legal implications of the legislation and has accused the Centre of unilaterally deciding the terms and conditions without consulting states. The Karnataka government has highlighted several concerns, including the limited freedom for Panchayats to choose works and the potential for wages to be fixed below the minimum rates set by state governments. They've also argued that the Act defeats the spirit of 'GRAM SWARAJ' envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi, which emphasizes the importance of local self-governance. The cabinet has resolved to challenge the validity of the VB-G-RAM-G Act in court and plans to hold special Gram Sabhas to raise awareness about the Act's potential impact on rural communities. The move is set to escalate tensions between the Karnataka government and the Centre, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah having previously described the Act as 'anti-people legislation' that will ruin the lives of the poor.
