DK Shivakumar Slams Centre’s MGNREGA Changes

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday strongly criticised the Central government’s recent changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He said that the Congress-led state government would challenge the changes in court.

Speaking about the issue, Shivakumar said the new rules introduced by the Centre would not work on the ground. He explained that earlier, village panchayats had the authority to decide and carry out important works, especially those related to water conservation and rural development.

However, under the new changes, he said that many decisions will now be taken by the Central government in Delhi, reducing the role of states and local bodies. He argued that this would affect the smooth implementation of the scheme.

Shivakumar also pointed out the financial burden placed on states. He said no state government can afford to pay 40% of the total cost of the scheme, as suggested under the new rules. According to him, this would make it difficult for states to continue providing guaranteed employment to rural workers.

He said the MGNREGA scheme is crucial for supporting rural livelihoods and warned that weakening it would harm poor and vulnerable communities. The Deputy Chief Minister said the state government would take all necessary legal steps to protect the interests of rural workers.