'MGNREGA, pension to become electoral issues'

The SR Abhiyan meeting held in Jaipur, Rajasthan to mark the completion of seven years of MGNREGA decided that both pensions and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act would be made electoral issues and political parties would be asked to take a stand before canvassing during the upcoming state and national elections. 

It also discussed the demand for universalisation and enhancement of pensions for the elderly.

MGNREGA workers and activists from 15 districts of Rajasthan gathered together to review the situation of MGNREGA in the state. 

Some of the decision made at the meeting included; MGNREGA workers must be paid minimum wages, and the government of India’s unconstitutional provision of allowing sub-minimum wage payments to MGNREGA workers be revoked.

All workers should be paid a daily wage rate not less than minimum wage on a time basis. The supervisory authorities must be held responsible for ensuring that the required quantum of work is carried out.

The state government should ensure that Aadhar not be linked with MGNREGA, PDS and pensions. 

The meeting concluded with a decision that 5,000 people from Rajasthan will be a part of the large Pension Parishad mobilization planned in New Delhi from March 4-8.