Approximately 1,100 Gram Rojgar Sevaks in Himachal Pradesh, who are responsible for implementing rural development works under the centrally sponsored MGNREGA scheme, have not received their salaries for the past four months. This has led to widespread resentment among the workers.
Association Appeals to Chief Minister
In a statement issued on Sunday, Shiv Raj Thakur, state president of the Gram Rojgar Sevak Association, urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene and ensure the immediate release of the pending salaries. The urgency comes ahead of the proposed implementation of the Centre’s new VB-G RAM G scheme, which is set to replace the existing MGNREGA programme.
Background of Appointments
Thakur recalled that the Gram Rojgar Sevaks were appointed during the previous government led by Jai Ram Thakur. Their role includes preparing muster rolls and facilitating the execution of approved rural development works under MGNREGA.
Concerns Over Future Employment
Thakur expressed concern about the future of the Gram Rojgar Sevak workforce after the transition to the new scheme. He urged the state government to either continue their services under the proposed VB-G RAM G programme or, if that is not feasible, integrate them into the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department. He noted that a large number of panchayat secretary posts have remained vacant for a long time, which could accommodate these workers.
Thakur highlighted the uncertainty surrounding their future, stating, “We are spending sleepless nights over the fear of losing our livelihoods.” He appealed to the Chief Minister to safeguard the interests of the Gram Rojgar Sevaks and ensure that they are not rendered jobless after the implementation of the new scheme.
