Dharmanagar, Jan 10: The Dharmanagar District Congress on Saturday demanded protection of the MGNREGA scheme, alleging wage suppression, co...
Addressing the media, District Congress President Digbijoy Chakraborty accused the government of undermining workers’ rights by restricting wages and manipulating the scheme through the BBG system, which he claimed has enabled large-scale corruption and fund siphoning. He said earlier, MGNREGA provided up to 365 days of work annually, allowing labourers flexibility to work as needed, but now the government decides when and how work will be allotted.
Chakraborty further alleged that workers are being deliberately denied MGNREGA jobs during peak agricultural seasons, directly impacting their livelihoods. He said decisions on work schedules were earlier taken through Gram Sabha consultations, but now the process is controlled by ruling party influence and contractors.
Highlighting the scheme’s importance, Chakraborty stated that over the past two decades, MGNREGA has significantly contributed to rural infrastructure development and overall village progress. He accused the present government of systematically weakening the scheme.
State Congress Secretary Chayan Bhattacharjee, who was also present, reiterated the party’s commitment to safeguarding MGNREGA and indicated that larger protest movements would be launched in the coming days if the situation does not improve.
Other Congress leaders were also present at the press conference.
