The Odisha Nari Samaj (ONS), a federation of 54 block level tribal women’s organisations in Odisha, demanded immediate release of wages under MGNREGA as per the Supreme Court order.
The ONS threatened of starting an agitation in the State if the daily wagers, mostly the tribals and Dalits, are not paid up their remuneration.
It alleged that so far Boipariguda and Kundra block of Koraput district, Kudgumlgumma block of Malkangiri district and Sukruli, Khunta-II, Saraskana, Bahalda, Jamda blocks of Mayurbhanj district have not received the money under the scheme for the last one year. As a result, the labourers who worked in various projects have not been given their wages as yet.
Citing a recent verdict of the Supreme Court, ONS spokesperson Karmi Beshra said that the State should immediately release the NREGA money without further delay as the crops in many places have failed. “While Rs 1,14, 000 crore loan of many companies could be waived, why the Government is reluctant to pay the rightful dues of the poor workers,” she asked. She demanded that the State should mount pressure on the Centre to release the NREGS funds without further delay.