The Village Council of Churachandpur in Manipur recently led a significant public protest involving representatives from 18 villages at the YMA Hall, Hmuia Veng. Thousands of villagers gathered to demand the release of overdue wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). With Christmas approaching, the protestors emphasized the urgent need for at least 40 days’ worth of wages to be paid, highlighting the financial struggles of the rural community during the festive season.
Key figures such as H. Mangchinkhup, the Chairman of the Village Council, and other prominent leaders addressed the crowd. Chairman Mangchinkhup expressed frustration over the delay, pointing out that villagers had completed over 50 days of labor, as documented in the master roll, yet had not received payment two months post-completion.
The protestors alleged that the funds for all blocks had been dispersed, yet the district authorities have inexplicably withheld their payments. Further exacerbating the situation, the authorities reportedly instructed village leaders to organize social work and provide photographic evidence as a condition for releasing the funds. “This requirement has no basis in any government scheme and is a direct violation of our rights,” questioned Chairman Mangchinkhup.
The demonstration illustrates the growing dissatisfaction among rural communities regarding the delayed disbursement of MGNREGA payments, a scheme intended to ensure employment and financial stability for the poorest populations. The villagers called for an immediate resolution, urging the authorities to prioritize the release of funds in time for the upcoming festive period.
This protest underscores broader concerns about the effectiveness and execution of MGNREGA and highlights the critical need for timely financial support to sustain the livelihoods of rural communities.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/video/manipur-thousands-protest-against-non-payment-of-mgnrega-wages-in-churachandpur-1142399-2024-12-23?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-12-23 15:19:00
