Karnataka to approach Supreme Court over continuation of MGNREGA

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 8, 2026: The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday decided to approach the Supreme Court seeking permission to continue the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) and to formulate an action plan for the current financial year.

The decision comes amid delays by the Union government in issuing a notification for the implementation of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB G RAM G), which replaced MGNREGA under a new Act passed in December 2025.

The state government has also questioned what it termed as the Centre’s move to curtail the Constitutional right to work of state governments. It has decided to immediately file a petition before the apex court.

Addressing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the Union government has not yet issued any notification regarding the implementation of VB G RAM G despite it already being May.

“Instead, the Centre has only issued a circular asking states to continue the ongoing works under MGNREGA without releasing any funds. Hence, we are approaching the Supreme Court,” he said.

Patil further stated that the Union government has not announced any alternative arrangement to replace MGNREGA. “In the interest of the public, MGNREGA is essential, and we will request the court to permit us to prepare an action plan,” he added.