NEW DELHI: Blowing the bugle for restoration of job guarantee scheme with a 45-day ‘MGNREGA bachao sangram’ from January 8, Congress on Saturday said it will also legally challenge VB-GRAMG in court because it violates a key provision of the Constitution.As it released a three-level agitation plan which will see outreach at panchayat level and end with four national rallies, Congress’ K C Venguopal and Jairam Ramesh said the nationwide struggle with maximum mobilisation will force Modi govt to restore the job guarantee scheme just like it had to roll back the three ‘black farm laws’.

VB-G RAM G Replaces MGNREGA: What changes?

AICC clarified the 45-day programme is the first-phase of the ‘sangram’ which will be extended beyond Feb 25. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “We will resist, peacefully and firmly, from every panchayat to Parliament.” “Centre has put 40% financial burden of the job scheme under the new law on the states. No state is in a position to provide these funds. So, the idea is to end the scheme,” Venugopal and Ramesh said.Ramesh argued MGNREGA was the responsibility of Centre but VB-G RAM G mentions upfront that the funding will be shared 60:40 between Centre and states. He said Article 258 talks about putting the funding burden on states “as may be agreed upon”, but no discussion was held with states. “The law is a violation of Article 258 and we will challenge it in court,” he said. Venugopal said the new law will deprive panchayats of funds and right to plan the work.