Summary
- MGNREGA workers in Howaibari, under Teliamura RD Block, staged a sit-in protest demanding wages pending for nearly seven months. BDO Biplab Acharya acknowledged technical issues behind the delay and assured that steps were being taken to release the payments.
Teliamura (Tripura), July 28: Frustration reached a boiling point on Monday as dozens of REGA workers staged a sit-in protest outside the Howaibari Gram Panchayat office under the Teliamura RD Block, demanding immediate release of their long-pending wages. Despite working for nearly seven months under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the workers have not received their dues.
Repeated attempts to reach out to the local panchayat reportedly yielded no results, prompting the workers to organize the protest to draw administrative attention to their plight. The demonstration highlighted the growing discontent among rural labourers struggling to sustain their livelihoods in the face of prolonged non-payment.
Upon learning about the protest, Teliamura RD Block Development Officer (BDO) Biplab Acharya visited the site and interacted with the agitating workers. Addressing the media, BDO Acharya acknowledged the delay in wage disbursement, attributing it to technical issues. He assured that the matter had been escalated to higher authorities and that necessary steps were being taken to expedite the payment process.
Speaking to reporters, several workers expressed deep concern over the financial hardship caused by the delay. Many said they were unable to manage basic household expenses due to the non-payment of wages. They urged the administration to act without further delay and fulfill their rightful entitlement.
Meanwhile, during the sit-in, a section of protesters voiced skepticism over the assurances given by officials. Some alleged that despite previous promises, there was little progress on the ground. According to sources, a reactionary group may be attempting to exploit the situation behind the scenes, adding complexity to an already tense atmosphere.
The protest at Howaibari has once again brought the issue of wage delays under MGNREGA into sharp focus, raising questions about accountability and the functioning of rural employment schemes. As the agitation continues, workers are hoping that the government will deliver on its assurances and resolve the issue without further delay.
