MGNREGA Bachao Sangram Intensifies In RS Pura, Bhalla Demands Wage Release And Work Restoration

RS Pura: 9 Feb : JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla accompanied by District Jammu Rural President Neeraj Kundan today intensified the ongoing “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram” at Rangpur Sidhra in RS Pura, asserting that the employment guarantee scheme is a statutory right of rural workers and any attempt to weaken or dilute it amounts to a direct assault on their dignity, livelihood and survival. The programme was organized by RS Pura Block President Yash Pal. Prominent among those present on the occasion were Amrit Bali, Pawan Bhagat, Inder Pal Singh (District Rural Village President), Babu Singh (Secretary Rural), Manjeet Singh, Balbinder Singh, Harvinder Singh (Naib Sarpanch), Gurmeet Singh (Block President Miran Sahib), Goldy Rangpur Sidhra, Kuldeep Kumar Chopra, Lakhwant Singh, Randeep Singh, Ex-SI Mohinder Kumar, Daljeet Singh, Billi (Sarpanch), Parmilla Devi (Sarpanch), Joginder Pal (SI), Bishan Dass (Inspector), Cheetan Kumar (Youth President), Santosh Kumar, Leakh Raj, Rash Pal Singh and Roop Lal, among others.

Addressing a large gathering, Bhalla said MGNREGA was enacted to provide assured livelihood security to the poorest sections of society, but delays in wage payments, curtailment of workdays, lack of approved works and bureaucratic apathy have pushed lakhs of rural households into economic distress. He demanded immediate release of pending wages, restoration of full workdays and strict monitoring to ensure transparent and effective implementation of the scheme.

Raising the larger political and constitutional issue, Raman Bhalla made a strong pitch for the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the downgrading of a full-fledged state into a Union Territory has resulted in administrative centralisation, democratic deficit and policy paralysis. He said people of J&K are being governed by remote control without adequate public representation, leading to delays in decision-making and neglect of local priorities. Bhalla asserted that restoration of statehood is essential to restore accountability, strengthen democratic institutions and ensure governance that reflects the aspirations and mandate of the people.

Highlighting the worsening economic situation, Bhalla said farmers are reeling under rising input costs, lack of irrigation facilities, erratic power supply, poor compensation for crop losses and absence of assured markets for their produce. Daily wagers, casual labourers and contractual employees continue to suffer due to job insecurity, low wages and denial of regularisation. He expressed serious concern over the continued neglect of Anganwadi and ASHA workers, who form the backbone of the public health and nutrition system but remain underpaid, overburdened and deprived of basic service benefits.

Raman Bhalla further pointed out that small traders, shopkeepers and self-employed youth are struggling due to shrinking purchasing power, poor access to credit and lack of supportive economic policies. Pensioners and government employees, he said, are facing delays in pension disbursement, non-revision of benefits and uncertainty over service-related issues, adding to their financial hardship amid rising inflation. He accused the administration of remaining insensitive to these genuine grievances.

Terming youth as the backbone of the nation, Bhalla said alarming unemployment levels, stalled recruitment processes, limited industrial growth and absence of meaningful skill-development initiatives have pushed the younger generation into frustration and despair. He warned that prolonged neglect of youth aspirations poses serious social risks and urged the government to immediately revive recruitment drives, promote entrepreneurship, strengthen technical education and create sustainable job opportunities within J&K.

The senior Congress leader also flagged a host of civic, social and governance-related issues plaguing the Union Territory. These include the deteriorating condition of public health infrastructure, shortage of doctors and medicines in hospitals, declining standards in government schools, lack of adequate teaching staff, frequent and prolonged power outages, and acute drinking water scarcity in both rural and urban areas. He also expressed grave concern over rising crime rates, growing incidents of drug trafficking and the alarming spread of drug abuse among youth, calling for a comprehensive and humane strategy combining strict enforcement, rehabilitation and community awareness.

District Jammu Rural President Neeraj Kundan, while addressing the gathering, said the “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram” is not merely a protest but a mass movement to defend the livelihood rights of rural households. He accused the authorities of ignoring ground realities and failing to respond to repeated demands for strengthening MGNREGA. Kundan said rural workers are being forced to struggle for wages and work that are legally guaranteed under the Act, which reflects the administration’s apathy towards the poor.

Neeraj Kundan further said the Congress party will continue to stand firmly with farmers, workers, women, youth, marginalised communities and all sections of society until their voices are heard and justice is delivered. He appealed to people to remain united and vigilant against policies that undermine employment, social security, democratic rights and the future of Jammu and Kashmir.