Bengaluru, 10 Jan

The Opposition BJP and JD(S) welcomed the State government's decision to convene a two-day special session of the Legislative Assembly to discuss the VB-G RAM G Act, which replaces the MGNREGA.

Addressing a joint press meet, Union Minister and JD(S) second-in-command HD Kumaraswamy and BJP State President BY Vijayendra claimed that the Congress was "spreading misinformation" about the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajivika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G).

"We will discuss on the floor of the House what the Congress did to the country through MGNREGA during the UPA era and what PM Narendra Modi-led NDA has done in the past 11 years," Vijayendra said, claiming that the MGNREGA had rampant fund leakages.

"When lakhs of crores of rupees have been spent on the MGNREGA, is it wrong on the part of the Prime Minister, the BJP, or the NDA government to ensure there is no pilferage or leakage of funds?" he asked.

Kumaraswamy added that corruption and leakages are being checked through AI technology, GPS tracking and real-time dashboards, and that special job cards will cover single women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, transgender persons and vulnerable tribal groups.

Vijayendra quipped that the Congress "never believed in schemes but believed in scams".

"The number of workdays has been increased from 100 to 125 days, ensuring greater income security for rural people, with the daily wage fixed at Rs 370," Kumaraswamy said. He noted that wage payments have been mandated weekly or within 14 days.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah welcomed the reaction, saying that the Congress was ready for a debate.