Overview
- Karnataka’s Cabinet unanimously resolved not to accept the VB-G RAM G Act and will file a legal challenge, seeking advice on whether to approach the High Court or the Supreme Court.
- The state alleges the law centralises decisions, excludes states from consultation, shifts up to 40% of certain costs to states, and lets the Centre fix wages and choose implementation areas.
- Congress-led 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' actions are underway or slated across states, with Punjab launching protests, Bihar scheduling events from January 10 to February 25, and Nagaland beginning a 45-day agitation; AAP leaders also protested in Punjab.
- Union minister Pralhad Joshi and BJP leaders defend the new framework as an anti-corruption, transparency-focused reform, citing claims of 125 guaranteed workdays, tighter monitoring with mobile and GPS tools, centralised payments, and continued panchayat roles.
- The Act is already in force after presidential assent in December, while critics warn provisions such as capped allocations and seasonal suspensions could dilute the rights-based, demand-driven nature of rural employment guarantees.