2. Resolution Against VB-GRAM G: Federal and Social Implications

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly recently passed a resolution opposing the Union Government’s new employment scheme, highlighting a deepening friction between the Centre and States regarding social security and federal autonomy. Summary of Key Developments • Rejection of VB-GRAM G: The Karnataka Assembly has formally expressed \'serious opposition\' to the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, calling for its immediate annulment. • Demand for MGNREGA Restoration: The resolution urges the Central Government to fully restore the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, which it claims has been effectively dismantled by the new legislation. • Concerns Over Decentralization: A primary grievance is that the new Act allegedly snatches the powers and rights of Village Panchayats, undermining the 73rd Constitutional Amendment\'s vision of local self-governance. • Fiscal Burden on States: The state government argues that the VB-GRAM G framework shifts a \'serious burden\' onto the State exchequer, potentially altering the traditional 60:40 or 90:10 funding patterns of centrally sponsored schemes.• Right to Life and Livelihood: The resolution frames the issue as a violation of the \'right to life\' for the rural poor, viewing the previous MGNREGA as a critical safety net or \'elixir of life\' for those in distress. • Federal Friction: The move underscores a growing trend of states using legislative resolutions to challenge central laws that overlap with subjects in the Concurrent List or affect state finances. Key Definitions • VB-GRAM G Act: The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), a 2025 legislation aimed at restructuring rural employment schemes. • Legislative Resolution: A formal expression of the opinion or will of a legislative body, which, while not always legally binding on the Centre, carries significant political and moral weight. • Decentralization: The transfer of authority and responsibility for public functions from the central government to subordinate or quasi-independent government organizations or local authorities. Constitutional and Legal Provisions • Article 21: The Right to Life and Personal Liberty. The judiciary has often interpreted the \'right to work\' (as seen in MGNREGA) as an essential component of a dignified life under this Article. • Article 246 & Seventh Schedule: Addresses the distribution of legislative powers. While \'Social Security\' is in the Concurrent List (Entry 23), \'Local Government\' is a State Subject (Entry 5). • 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992: Mandates the devolution of powers to Gram Panchayats. The resolution argues that VB-GRAM G bypasses these local bodies. • Article 252: Relates to the power of Parliament to legislate for two or more States by consent, though centrally sponsored schemes often operate under the Union\'s spending power. UPSC Relevance • GS Paper II: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure; Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections. • GS Paper III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, and employment. • Ethics (GS IV): The ethical obligation of the State to provide a social safety net versus fiscal prudence. Conclusion The standoff in the Karnataka Assembly is a classic example of the \'Executive Federalism\' vs. \'Cooperative Federalism\' debate in India. While the Centre seeks to modernize rural employment through the VB-GRAM G Act, states argue that such top-down restructuring erodes the autonomy of Panchayati Raj Institutions and imposes unfair financial liabilities. The resolution signals that the transition from the rights-based MGNREGA framework to new missions will likely face rigorous legal and political scrutiny regarding its impact on the grassroots democratic fabric.