Withdraw exploitative technologies, offer NREGA jobs: Jharkhand rural workers protest in Ranchi

By A Representative

On 28 September 2024 the Raj Bhawan in Ranchi echoed with the chants of over 200 workers protesting against ongoing violations of their rights and the systematic dismantling of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) by the Modi Government. This protest, organized by Jharkhand NREGA Watch and the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, drew participants from Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, and West Bengal, all uniting in their demand for the act to be implemented fully, ensuring guaranteed employment, timely wage payments, and fair access to work without arbitrary exclusions.

On the anniversaries of Bhagat Singh's birth and Shankar Guha Niyogi's martyrdom, Praful Linda from the Adivasi Adhikar Manch urged workers to draw inspiration from revolutionary figures and challenge the anti-poor, crony capitalist practices of the current government. Solidarity was also shown by representatives from the Jharkhand Mazdoor Sangathan and Jharkhand Kisan Parishad, who joined the protest. The workers demanded an immediate withdrawal of "exploitative technologies" like the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) and the Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS), which have been described as opaque and arbitrary.

Maheshwari from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, reported that NMMS frequently leads to wage denials in her panchayat, with officials claiming workers are not listed on muster rolls despite completing their tasks. Workers argue that these systems have led to the exclusion of countless individuals, payment delays, and work denials, effectively eroding the essence of NREGA.

A critical issue highlighted during the protest was the complete suspension of NREGA work in West Bengal since December 2021. Citing alleged implementation breaches, the Centre invoked Section 27 of the MGNREGA Act, freezing state funds and halting all operations. Consequently, thousands of workers in West Bengal have been unpaid for prior work and have been unable to seek new employment under NREGA for nearly three years.

Ambarish from Purulia district criticized the Central Government's rationale of penalizing workers for governmental corruption, insisting that NREGA operations must resume without delay, regardless of any investigations. In Jharkhand, NREGA projects are often carried out using JCB machines, violating the Act, while middlemen disproportionately enrich themselves at the expense of the workers. There is a notable lack of political will to confront these widespread issues, which creates a precarious situation for workers caught between unscrupulous middlemen and an indifferent state.

The protestors called on the government to enhance social audits and grievance redress mechanisms under MGNREGA, ensuring independence and transparency in order to combat corruption and improve accountability. As state elections approach, workers appeared determined to cast their votes for those who prioritize the revival of NREGA.

They also expressed frustration over their repeated efforts to engage in dialogue with the Minister for Rural Development, which have been thwarted by obstacles and unfulfilled promises. A recent scheduled meeting on September 24, 2024, was canceled without notice, underscoring the ministry's reluctance to engage with the concerns of affected workers. Only one of the six proposed representatives from NREGA workers' unions was approved by the Ministry, further evidencing their unwillingness to listen.

With rural poverty escalating and job opportunities dwindling, the significance of NREGA has never been more critical, protesters said. For many workers and their families, the income generated through NREGA is vital for survival. The collective message from rural workers to both Central and State governments is emphatic: “NREGA work at a living wage is our right, and we will not allow it to be denied!”

Regional convention of NREGA workers

A day later, on September 29, 2024, the inaugural Regional Convention of NREGA workers took place in Ranchi. The event was jointly organized by Jharkhand NREGA Watch and NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, attracting over 100 NREGA and unorganized workers from five states: Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar. Approximately ten workers' collectives participated, showcasing solidarity across the region.

Representatives from various collectives attended the convention, including Jharkhand NREGA Watch, Jan Jagran Shakti Sangathan (Bihar), Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (West Bengal), NREGA Watch (Bihar), Odisha Shramjeevi Manch, Right to Food and Work Network (West Bengal), Chhattisgarh Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, Pravaasi Mazdoor Sangathan (Bihar), and Udayani Social Action Forum (West Bengal).

Participants, dedicated to the right to livelihood and dignified living, addressed various issues hindering the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (NREGA) and explored ways to enhance its implementation. The situation for NREGA in states like Jharkhand and West Bengal remains particularly dire, with advocates stating, “NREGA has been in the ICU for a long time.”

The convention consisted of two primary sessions. The first featured workers sharing their challenges with NREGA, while the second included parallel sessions focused on the specific difficulties faced by workers.

Although the experiences varied, common themes emerged, including the lack of guaranteed employment, delayed wage payments, insufficient wage compensation, arbitrary exclusions facilitated by technology, and the ongoing implementation of counterproductive technologies like the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) and the Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS).

The parallel sessions addressed topics such as the availability of work for NREGA workers, worksite conditions, working hours, wage rates and payments, the employment status of physically challenged individuals and marginalized tribes (especially women), and the excessive use of technology in NREGA, alongside suggested alternatives.

Discussions highlighted the long and challenging journey ahead for workers striving for a “pro-worker law implemented by an anti-worker system.” For many, the wages earned through NREGA are crucial not just for their livelihoods, but for survival itself.

The convention closed with a resounding message from rural workers directed at the Central and State governments: "NREGA work at a living wage is our right, and we will not relinquish it! We will march to Delhi to ensure our voices are heard and our rights secured!"

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Click here for the charter of demands by NREGA Sangharsh Morcha

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