MGNREGA workers protest against new system of work, attacked Damburnagar Block, damaged properties

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 14, 2022

The attempt to ensure that the workers deliver as per rules in the MGNREA project has unexpectedly evoked adverse impact among a section of the labourers who turned violent and attacked the Damburnagar Block office and damaged properties.

Recently the Government of India has brought some amendments in the MGNREGA project and made photographing the work twice a day compulsory to ensure that the workers deliver as per rules. Earlier, photographs were taken only once during the beginning of the day.

It was observed that most of the workers left the site after the photographs were taken and kept the works incomplete. Two time photography was introduced to prevent such things. As per new rule the first time photograph will be taken around 11 am while the second time photograph will be taken around 3 pm.

There were no problems with the first time photograph but the workers started grousing and ultimately they rushed to the block office and started damaging the properties. Situation turned so grave that the police rushed to the spot but that also failed to quell the situation.

Receiving the information, the SDM Arindam Das, MDC Bhumikananda Reang, MLA Dhananjoy Reang also rushed to the spot. They had a discussion with a delegation of the workers and said a sitting will be arranged on May 17 when a final decision will be taken. Initially the workers were reluctant to accept but after persuasion they agreed to leave the place.