KPRS members, rural workers demand repeal of VB-G RAM G Act

Demanding that the central government withdraw the proposed VB-G RAM G Act and continue the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in its current form, the Karnataka Pranth Raitha Sangha (KPRS), rural workers and workers staged a protest outside the Kalaburagi Zilla Panchayat office on Monday.

Workers participating in the protest wore headdresses on their heads, symbolically emphasizing the lack of job opportunities in rural areas and the increasing difficulties faced by villagers due to drought-like conditions.

The protest was led by KPRS district president Sharanabasappa Mamshetty, who criticized what he described as anti-farmer and anti-worker policies that threaten rural livelihoods.

Addressing the meeting, he said that MGNREGA has served as a lifeline to poor rural families by providing employment opportunities in villages and preventing migration to distressed cities.

The protesters submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Rural Development Minister and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre, calling for urgent intervention on the deteriorating agricultural situation in the district.

Mr. Mamshetty said the region is experiencing severe rainfall deficit in the current monsoon season, leading to poor planting activity, crop stress and increased uncertainty among farmers.

He said that inadequate rainfall, shortage of fodder and lack of employment opportunities have compounded difficulties in rural areas and demanded that the government declare Kalaburagi drought-affected and immediately initiate drought-relief works.

Opposing the VB-G RAM G Act, Mr. Mamshetty argued that it would weaken the decentralized framework of rural employment by reducing the powers of gram panchayats and limiting community participation in planning and implementation.

He argued that MGNREGA should continue as a rights-based program implemented through gram sabhas and local self-government institutions.

The demands included repeal of the VB-G Gram G Act, restoration of MGNREGA in its original form, increase in guaranteed employment to 200 man-days per household per annum, increase in wage rates and immediate release of pending wages to workers.

They also sought permanent employment opportunities in rural areas to prevent people from migrating in search of work.

KPRS leaders warned that they would intensify their agitation if the Center and State government did not address the concerns of farmers and rural workers and ensure the continuation of MGNREGA as an important rural employment and livelihood programme.