'Wages withheld'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 22 2021:
A Ward Member of Bijoy Govinda Gram Panchayat has alleged that the Gram Rojgar Sevak (GRS) concerned has been withholding Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) wages months after completion of assigned work.
Holding a press conference at her residence at Tera Loukrakpam Leikai, Member of Ward No 3 of Bijoy Govinda Gram Panchayat, Puyam ongbi Rebica stated that construction of 3 pucca drains and 2 retaining walls within the Ward were completed in 30 days under MGNREGS utilizing semi-skilled workers.
But the wages for the semi-skilled workers have not been released till date though it has been a few months since the works were completed, she said and questioned whether the GRS has been withholding the wages or the amount has been withdrawn.
Moreover, wages of 132 job card holders for an 8-day work have also been held back after wages of 18 job card holders were provided initially, she alleged.
A written complaint against the GRS, who is allegedly withholding or swindling the wages of job card holders, was submitted to the BDO concerned yesterday, she continued.