Association demands release of pending MGNREGA funds
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, November 28 2023:
Ukhrul District MGNREGA Welfare Association has served an ultimatum to the State Government to release pending payments of MGNREGA material components for the financial years (2020-2022) by the first week of December 2023 .
The association cautioned that intense agitations will be taken up if the Government fails to materialise the demand within the given time frame.
S Leishisan, convener of the association declared the above while addressing media persons during a press conference held at Yikror Hotel, Hamleikhong today.
According to him, the payment of material components of MGNREGA amounting to over Rs 15 crores for the two financial years have not been released till date despite repeated appeals made to the Departments concerned.
He maintained that the non-payment of material components for two consecutive years has impacted the villagers and are unable to put forth proposals of new work demands for ensuring employment to MGNREGA job seekers.
Stating the non-payment has caused financial issues to many who have invested in executing the works under MGNREGA, he said that it has hindered the progress of these works which is really unfortunate.
In this regard, the association has discussed the matter with the Ukhrul DC for addressing the grievances in the interest of job card holders.
He further highlighted that the e-FMS system under MGNREGA has not been successfully implemented due to issues like internet problems and staff shortage.
Over 34,500 job card holders of MGNREGA are relying on three banks ( SBI, PNB and UCO) located in Ukhrul town for all financial transactions including the general transaction, he said.
Considering the plights of the people, the association urged the Government and relevant authorities to disburse the pending payment at the earliest.