Karnataka Minister Launches Nationwide Campaign Against VB-GRAM Act

Karnataka's Minister Priyank Kharge Spearheads Campaign

Priyank Kharge, a minister from Karnataka, announced the initiation of a nationwide collective campaign opposing the VB-GRAM Act, which he claims undermines the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and threatens the foundation of social justice. Kharge shared his thoughts on social media, stating, "The Rural Development and Employment Guarantee Department hosted a significant roundtable conference in Delhi, attended by over 80 participants from across the country, including civil rights groups, economists, professors, sociologists, lawyers, former judges, NGOs, and MGNREGA activists."

Concerns Over MGNREGA's Integrity

Kharge emphasized the importance of MGNREGA, describing it as a guarantee that has provided rural families with confidence, dignity, and stability. He asserted that weakening this act is an attack on social justice. Outlining the decisions made during the roundtable, he mentioned, "We reached a consensus on immediate action. Our focus will be on clearly explaining the law at the grassroots level, analyzing the changes, and countering the misleading claims propagated by the central government."

Legal Action and Community Mobilization

He further stated that the campaign would also pursue legal avenues, investigating constitutional violations and preparing challenges for the courts. "We will work on every front, from villages to the justice system. This effort will be collective, resolute, and unwavering. The goal is clear: this bill must be repealed; there are no alternatives," Kharge asserted. Meanwhile, Satnam Singh Pannu, a leader of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC), accused the government of diluting MGNREGA, straying from its original purpose of ensuring livelihood security for rural and labor families.

Impact of MGNREGA Nationwide

Pannu highlighted that approximately 260 million job cards have been issued under this scheme nationwide, with around 120 million beneficiaries receiving employment. In Punjab alone, nearly 2 million job cards have been distributed, providing work to about 1.1 million laborers under MGNREGA.