Sriganganagar. Today, under the banner of All India Farm and Rural Laborers Union (AIARLA) and CITU, MNREGA workers demonstrated strongly with their demands at Chak 9-Z, located near Sriganganagar district headquarters. The workers raised their voice against the new proposed schemes of the Central Government along with their pending wages and guarantee of employment.
Workers and union leaders put forward many burning issues before the administration, the main ones being: Starting MNREGA works: In many villages, MNREGA works have been stalled for the last one year, which were demanded to be started immediately.
Payment of outstanding wages: Emphasis was laid on ensuring immediate payment of long pending wages.
Protest against VB-Gram G Mission: The protesters opposed the Central Government’s ‘Developed India-Employment Guarantee and Livelihood Mission’ (VB-GRAM G Mission), calling it against the basic spirit of MNREGA.
Inflation and basic amenities: Demands were made to reduce the prices of LPG gas cylinders, supply of pure drinking water in rural areas and strict action against the rapidly spreading drug addiction.
Addressing the gathering, State President of All India Farm and Rural Laborers Union, Smt. Durga Swami said that exploitation of laborers will not be tolerated. He warned that if the works that had been stalled for a year were not started soon and the dues were not paid, the agitation would be further intensified.
CITU District President Comrade Mohanlal and Naresh Sharma said that efforts are being made to weaken the National Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He said that in the name of VB-Gram Ji Mission, the rights of workers are being taken away, while there is a huge shortage of work in the villages.
The leaders expressed deep concern over the increasing drug abuse in rural areas and said that it was ruining the future of the youth. Along with this, in view of the scorching heat, a demand was raised to give priority to the provision of clean drinking water in the villages.
Comrade Ganpat, Gomti Shakya, Sucha Singh and a large number of rural laborers participated during the demonstration. The protesters clearly said that their struggle will continue until 100 days employment guarantee and settlement of dues is not made.
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