Tue Dec 30 13:53:28 UTC 2025: News Article:
Karnataka CM Urges Centre to Halt Viksit Bharat Scheme, Cites Threat to MGNREGA
Bengaluru, December 30, 2025: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called on the central government to suspend the implementation of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G Ram G), arguing it undermines the fundamental principles of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed concern that the new scheme, intended to guarantee 125 days of work per year (up from 100 under MGNREGA), would effectively weaken the right to work for citizens. He criticized the shift in funding responsibility, as the central and state governments share expenditure in the ratio of 60:40 against the 90:10 in the previous law.
“The repeal of MGNREGA weakens the right to work, centralises decisions, and shifts an unfair burden onto States,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.
He further stated that the VB-G Ram G Act raises “serious constitutional, financial and governance concerns.” His plea highlights a growing debate regarding the central government’s approach to rural employment and the balance of power between the Centre and the States.
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