MGNREGA vs VB-G RAM G Act | Key highlights of the speech Karnataka Governor Gehlot did not read

Unread part of the speech highlighted, among other things, how Karnataka faces 'a suppressive situation in economic and policy matters' in the federal setup

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot read merely three lines from the 122 paragraphs of the customary speech prepared by the government while addressing the joint session of the legislature on Thursday.

The unread part of the Governor's speech highlighted, among other things, how Karnataka faces “a suppressive situation in economic and policy matters” in the federal setup.

The Governor had earlier objected to certain paragraphs in the speech critical of the BJP-led Union government.

On Thursday, Gehlot began by reading the first two lines of the speech: “I extend a warm welcome to all of you to the joint session of the State legislature. I am extremely pleased to address this august House.” 

He then moved to the very last line of paragraph 122, saying: “Overall, my government is firmly committed to doubling the pace of the State’s economic, social and physical development. Jai Hind — Jai Karnataka.”

In the speech, the Congress government in Karnataka demanded the scrapping of the “contractor-centric” Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act and restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Here are the key highlights of the paragraphs of the speech that the Governor did not read:

• Karnataka facing a suppressive economic, policy situation

• Repealing MGNREGA weakens India's rural life

• VB-GRAM (G) Act protects corporate capitalist interests

• Government strongly condemns this anti-progressive measure

• Centre has uprooted decentralised framework

• Under the new law, decisions are imposed from the Centre

• New law curtails rights of Adivasis women, backward classes and agrarian communities

• Not consulting States is an unconstitutional conduct

• Labourers being placed under contractors control

• States already racing fiscal stress due to Centre

• VB-GRAM (G) Act facilitates large-scale corruption