Karnataka CM Urges Reinstatement of MGNREGA, Criticizes New Rural Employment Scheme

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the Centre's replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025. He claimed that nearly 16 crore rural workers, including a majority of women and significant Scheduled Caste members, lost jobs due to this change. Siddaramaiah demanded reinstating MGNREGA with a minimum wage of Rs 400 per day and restoring gram panchayat autonomy, pledging continued protests until these demands are met.