MGNREGA norms violated: Contractors use machines, sideline workers in south Kashmir
Anantnag: In gross violation of norms governing the Union Government sponsored scheme Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the contractors in South Kashmir are using heavy machinery instead of human labour to carry out various works.
Residents from different areas of South Kashmir complained that due to covid-19 lockdown labourers have been moving from pillar to post in search of work but contractors are avoiding them and are using machinery instead of labourers.
Various development works that are being carried out are being done by JCBs and other machines and labourers continue to remain at home.
“Now since there is no work we fear that we might die of starvation as most of us have exhausted all the resources that were available with us. Now the situation is such that we do not have anything to eat,” said an elderly labourer who did not wish to be identified.
He further said that this all is being done with the employees of rural development department including VLW’s and others who supervise all developmental works going through RDD.
Locals from Marhama village said that that link road at Marhama C is being constructed from Masjid Shareef to Govt middle school at Balyaar Marhama but instead of labourers the contractor is using a JCB machine to carry out excavation and other works.
They said that the move is totally against the norms.
The residents of Devsar Block, Keller Block, Verinag Block, Lassipora Block, Bijbehara and many other areas have also alleged that contractors are using machines instead of human labour.
They said that despite repeated requests, the rural development department is not in any mood to take any action against the contractors who are violating norms and depriving job card holders of their rights.
Pertinently, MGNREGA scheme is purely aimed at employing job card holders so that rural unemployment rates are kept at bay.
When the issue was brought into the notice of Director Rural development department Kashmir, Qazi Sarwar, he said that he will look into the issue.
“Let me carry out some investigations and if these allegations prove to be true I will ensure strict actions against all those who are involved,” he added.
