Government withdraws Minister of State status granted to BJP leader
Bengaluru: The State government has withdrawn the facilities granted under the Minister of State status that had been extended to BJP leader and State Cooperative Horticulture Marketing Board President, Dr. B.D. Bhookanth.
Recently, the government announced Minister of State–level facilities for the chairpersons of 54 corporations and boards. Among them was the name of Dr. B.D. Bhookanth from Shivamogga district, which triggered strong objections from Congress leaders and party workers.
Congress leaders questioned the move, stating that Bhookanth does not belong to the Congress party and is not heading any government corporation or board, but serves as President of the State Cooperative Horticulture Marketing Board. The decision had led to dissatisfaction within the party over why he was accorded Minister of State status.
Following protests and criticism from several senior leaders, including the President of the Shivamogga District Congress Committee, the government has now issued an official order revoking the privileges earlier granted to Dr. Bhookanth.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
