Bengaluru: The Karnataka govt has convened a joint session of the legislature from Jan 22 to 31 to exclusively discuss the Centre’s decision to repeal Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).The session will begin with the governor’s address to both Houses. The govt plans to move a resolution condemning the Centre’s new Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G), which has replaced MGNREGA. Detailed discussions are expected before the resolution is placed for passage.Law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil told reporters the decision on session was taken at a special cabinet meeting held Wednesday. It also decided to invite the governor to address the joint session, he added.The state govt would act to protect public interest if the federal system infringed upon the rights of the people. The session aims to create awareness and understanding among the public about the social and economic impact of the new Act.Asked why other states were not raising similar objections, Patil said Punjab and Tamil Nadu had voiced concerns and six other states had expressed dissatisfaction. He clarified the state govt had decided to approach both “people’s court” and the court of law on the issue.While the govt had planned a two-day session, Patil said the format was changed due to constitutional requirements as Article 176 mandates the governor must address the first session of the legislature each year.BJP’s R Ashoka alleged the govt had convened the joint session with a “malafide intention” and termed it a “sheer waste of money”. “A session is always convened to make laws, discuss law and order, but what is this session convened for,” he said, adding resolution would have no impact.
