Karnataka government mulling measures to legally challenge MGNREGA repeal

Building further on its opposition to the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and enactment of the Viksit Bharat- Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act by the Union government, Karnataka will explore legal possibilities to challenge the repeal.

The State Cabinet on Thursday decided not only to seek legal remedy, but also go to “people’s court” to highlight the “damage” to the Constitution’s 73rd amendment that proposes decentralisation of power.

“Panchayats have approached the State government to seek legal remedy against the repeal of MGNREGA. After a detailed deliberations at the Cabinet, we have asked the Advocate-General to explore legal possibilities whether to approach the High Court or the Supreme Court,” Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil told presspersons in the post Cabinet briefing. “We will take up both a political and a legal battle,” he said.

Mr. Patil questioned the enactment of the new legislation after the submission of report by the 16th Finance Commission, and said that the Centre has enacted the Act without consulting States. “Financial burden on States has also increased. The repeal of MGNREGA has hit the right to work, and will centralise powers. The Centre will now decide the nature of work to be taken up and in which village, thus denying panchayats their power,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also decided to recommend the release of 33 prisoners before their term on account of good behaviour. “Of the 33 prisoners whom the State Cabinet has recommended for release, the government will write to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in case of two prisoners who have been convicted in cases pertaining to firearms. We will make appropriate recommendations.”

Other decisions of the Cabinet include, approval for a mega dairy in Kalaburagi at a cost of ₹50 crore; approval to construct regional Sahakara Bhavan in Kalaburagi at a cost of ₹10 crore, and installing busts of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi in Kalaburagi. When asked why were the busts being installed now, he said: “It is to inspire those who do not know our history, struggles and contribution and sacrifices of Mahatma Gandhi.”