Vacant BDO’s post hits wage disbursement under MGNREGA in Lassipora, allege contractors
DC Pulwama acts after contractors file appeal
Pulwama: Contractors working under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on Monday raised an alarm over the issue, citing the lack of a designated DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) signatory, which stalled the verification of muster rolls.
If left unverified for more than 14 days, these muster sheets would automatically be marked as “Zero Fill”—meaning labourers would not receive any payment for the work they had already completed, contractors said.
“For the past several days, the BDO post has been vacant, and no incharge officer was assigned. Without a DSC signatory, we couldn’t process the muster rolls. We feared this would lead to non-payment of wages to hundreds of workers,” said a local contractor from Lassipora.
“We had no option but to appeal directly to the Deputy Commissioner. The livelihoods of poor labourers were on the line, and it was becoming a serious issue,” said another contractor associated with MGNREGA works in the area.
Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the Deputy Commissioner issued an order on Monday. As per official communication, Zahoor Ahmad Hadi, BDO Pulwama, has been given the additional charge of Block Lassipora along with DDO powers. The arrangement will remain in place until a formal posting is made by the government.
“Consequent upon the transfer of the previous BDO and on recommendation from the Assistant Commissioner Development Pulwama, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Hadi shall hold the additional charge of Block Lassipora along with DDO powers, in addition to his own duties,” read the order issued by Dr. Qayoom.
The contractors and local field workers have expressed gratitude for the prompt action, calling it a much-needed relief.
“We thank the Deputy Commissioner for understanding the urgency of the situation. His swift action has saved poor labourers from unnecessary delays and hardship,” one contractor said.
Officials in the Rural Development Department have also welcomed the move and assured that the muster verification process will now resume without hindrance, ensuring timely disbursal of wages to the deserving labour force.
