SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Dec 22: Jharkhand State MNREGA Karmchari Sangh (JSMKS) has welcomed the change in the name of MNREGA and urged the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to ensure minimum wage payment and job stability for employees to enable the successful implementation of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, also known as VB G Ram G Bill.
JSMKS president Anirudh Pandey and state spokesperson Mukesh Ram on Monday sent a memorandum to the PMO, stating that MNREGA employees in Jharkhand have no objection to the renaming of the scheme. However, they stressed that timely payment of salaries, job security and minimum wage payment are essential for the effective functioning of the programme.
The organisation stated that it represents around 5,500 MNREGA employees who are directly involved in implementing the scheme across Jharkhand.
Employees stress neutrality, seek welfare measures
In the memorandum, state spokesperson Mukesh Ram said that MNREGA employees have no political affiliation and are not supporters of the BJP, Congress or any other political party. He emphasised that their only concern is the successful implementation of the scheme in the national interest, along with the welfare of the employees associated with it.
He said the employees’ demand is purely administrative and developmental, aimed at strengthening the scheme and ensuring better service delivery at the grassroots level.
Also Read- Cold wave tightens grip on Jharkhand, dense fog disrupts visibility
The Sangh also pointed out that the scheme’s name has been changed twice in the past two decades. It was launched as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in 2005 and was later renamed Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Demand for minimum salary and parity with other states
The organisation noted that with the scheme now being renamed as VB G Ram G, there is no reason for employees to oppose the change. At the same time, it urged the PMO to address employees’ concerns to help realise the vision of the scheme by 2047.
JSMKS demanded a minimum monthly salary of Rs 26,000, which it said has been fixed by the central government. The Sangh argued that fair wages would not only strengthen the implementation of the scheme but also help curb corruption.
At present, MNREGA employees in Jharkhand are paid Rs 12,500 per month, while their counterparts in Bihar and several other states receive around Rs 17,500 per month.
Support comes amid Congress protest
The support of Jharkhand MNREGA Karmchari Sangh has come as a shot in the arm for the central government at a time when the Congress has been opposing the renaming of the scheme.
On Sunday, the Congress organised demonstrations against the name change at district headquarters across the country.
