Deccan Chronicle Report Sparks Action On MGNREGA Wage Disparities In Anakapalle
A report published in these columns has prompted swift action regarding wage discrepancies faced by pond diggers in Cheemalapadu and Kalyan Lova villages of Ravikamatham mandal, Anakapalle district.
Visakhapatnam:A report published in these columns has prompted swift action regarding wage discrepancies faced by pond diggers in Cheemalapadu and Kalyan Lova villages of Ravikamatham mandal, Anakapalle district.
Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), these workers are entitled to a daily wage of Rs 307 per day but this amount may vary based on the state. However, despite working six days a week, they claim to receive only Rs 150 per day for four officially registered days of labour.
Following coverage in these columns, Anakapalle district MGNREGA project director R. Poorma Devi and MPDO B. Kannababu visited Cheemalapadu village on Wednesday at 11:30 am to verify the facts. As heavy rainfall disrupted their site visit, the officials convened the meeting at the Cheemalapadu Secretariat office and interact with the affected workers.
“We go to the work site at 6 am and work the entire day, yet we are paid for only four days,” one worker expressed. The confusion surrounding payment processes and lack of clarity on the role of the APO and technical assistants has fuelled workers’ grievances.
Addressing their concerns, Poorma Devi assured that corrective measures would be implemented immediately, ensuring Rs 307 in wages per day for six days of labour going forward.
