Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Employees Unpaid for 5 Months in Uttarakhand, Families Struggle Amid Government Apathy
Despite Central Funds, Over 1200 Workers Await Honorarium; Employees Warn of Protest
Almora -Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Uttarakhand for the past 18 years have not received their honorarium for the last five months. This prolonged delay has made it extremely difficult for them to manage their daily household needs and pay for their children’s education.
Apart from their regular duties under MGNREGA, these employees are also engaged in various departmental tasks of the Rural Development Department, including survey work. Many of them have additionally been deployed for duties related to the ongoing three-tier panchayat election process.
According to the employees, despite the Government of India releasing the required funds under the administrative and material heads to the Uttarakhand government on May 13, 2025, the disbursement of honorariums has been held up due to bureaucratic delays and indifference from higher authorities.
Repeated appeals made by the MGNREGA Employees’ Union to the state administration have gone unheard, leaving the workers disheartened and frustrated.
The employees have expressed growing anger and warned that if their dues are not released soon, they may be forced to launch a protest movement. The union has urged the government to act promptly and sensitively to ensure immediate payment of the pending honorariums.
