The Kerala Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution calling on the central government to withdraw the recently introduced VB G RAM G Act and reinstate the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in its original form. The resolution expressed strong concerns over the financial and social impact of the new legislation, particularly on states with large rural populations.
According to the resolution, the VB G RAM G Act places a significant financial burden on state governments by reducing central funding and increasing state level responsibilities. The Kerala government argued that such changes undermine the federal structure and limit the ability of states to effectively implement rural employment schemes. Legislators stated that the shift could negatively affect the livelihood security of millions of rural households.
The Assembly also highlighted that the new act removes several rights based provisions that were central to the MGNREGA framework. These provisions guaranteed rural households a fixed number of days of wage employment and provided legal safeguards to ensure timely payment of wages. Lawmakers said these measures played a crucial role in poverty alleviation, social inclusion, and economic stability in rural areas.
Speaking during the discussion, members across party lines emphasized that MGNREGA has been one of the most effective welfare schemes in the country. They noted that the programme not only provides employment but also supports rural infrastructure development and strengthens local economies. The resolution warned that diluting the scheme could reverse progress made in reducing rural distress.
Kerala is not alone in its opposition to the new act. Similar resolutions have already been passed by the assemblies of Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. These states have collectively argued that the changes threaten the core objectives of rural employment guarantee and disproportionately affect economically weaker regions.
The Kerala government urged the central government to engage in consultations with states before making major policy changes that impact welfare schemes. The resolution stated that cooperative federalism must be respected and that states should be active partners in policy formulation rather than mere implementing agencies.
Officials pointed out that Kerala has consistently achieved high implementation standards under MGNREGA, ensuring transparency, timely wage payments, and broad participation. Any reduction in central support, they argued, would strain state finances and reduce the effectiveness of the programme.
The resolution concluded by demanding the immediate withdrawal of the VB G RAM G Act and the full restoration of MGNREGA with adequate central funding and legal safeguards. It also called upon the central government to protect the rights of rural workers and ensure that welfare policies continue to address poverty and unemployment.
The central government has yet to respond formally to the resolutions passed by multiple states. As debate over the future of rural employment schemes continues, the issue is expected to remain a key point of discussion in state centre relations and national policy discourse.
