Karnataka Assembly Urges Reinstatement of MGNREGA Amid Fiscal Concerns
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the central government to repeal the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, and restore the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted concerns over rural livelihoods and fiscal strain, stating the new law shifts 40% of wage costs to states. The assembly noted that MGNREGA provided 100 days of guaranteed work funded entirely by the Centre, while the new law offers 125 days but imposes new financial burdens on Karnataka. The resolution claims the new framework undermines decentralisation and threatens the state's economic security, as Karnataka's share of central tax devolution has decreased from 4.71% to 3.64% under recent Finance Commission recommendations.
Published 92 days ago • 04 Feb 2026, 08:20 AM IST