Thousands of villagers representing 18 villages gathered at the YMA Hall in Hmuia Veng on Monday to protest against the non-payment of labour wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The rally, spearheaded by the Village Council of Churachandpur, demanded the release of at least 40 days’ pending wages before Christmas, emphasising the financial hardship faced by rural households during the festive season.
Addressing the gathering, Village Council Chairman H. Mangchinkhup expressed frustration over the delay. “We have been denied and deprived of our rightful wages.
This has severely impacted the livelihoods of poor villagers who are struggling to prepare for the once-in-a-year Christmas celebration,” he said.
According to Mangchinkhup, villagers had completed over 50 days of work as documented in the master roll, but payments remained overdue for two months despite the release of funds to all blocks.
He alleged that district authorities were withholding the payments without explanation.
Mangchinkhup also criticised directives requiring village leaders to organise social work and submit photographic proof as a condition for receiving the funds.
“Under which provision are we being asked to carry out social work to receive our wages? This directive does not fall under any government scheme, and it’s a blatant violation of our rights,” he said.
The scheme, intended to guarantee employment and financial security, has become a source of discontent in the region. Villagers called for immediate action to disburse the funds, urging authorities to address their grievances before the festive season.
Follow us
