MGNREGA vs VB-G RAM G: Karnataka govt launches campaign in support of former, sends 95,000 letters

Bengaluru: Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge on Friday launched a statewide awareness camapaign by sending 95,000 letters to current and former gram panchayat members on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The campaign will highlight key differences between the MGNREGA and the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act.

Thousands of letters will be dispatched daily raising concerns over the impact of the VB-G RAM G Act on rural livelihoods and panchayat economy, Kharge said in a statement.

“MGNREGA is not just a scheme—it is a legal guarantee that has protected the dignity and livelihoods of millions of rural families. Any shift away from its rights-based framework raises serious concerns for workers, particularly women, and for the future of decentralized governance,” Kharge said.

The letters being sent to representatives outline the differences between the two frameworks and encourage informed engagement at the grassroots level, the minister added.

The awareness campaign will cover the legal and rights-based framework of MGNREGA; structural and implementation changes under the VB-G RAM G scheme and implications of these changes on rural employment and panchayat functioning.

Kharge said that the recent changes could alter the nature of the programme and impact the ability of rural workers to access guaranteed employment.

“Gram Panchayats are the backbone of our democracy. It is important that their decision-making powers and autonomy are not diluted. Strengthening local governance must remain central to any rural development policy,” he added.

The minister called upon elected representatives and citizens to stay informed and actively participate in discussions shaping rural development.