Minister alleges step-motherly treatment of Jharkhand
Mail News Service
Ranchi, Mar 26: The issue of pending MNREGA dues worth Rs 1200 crore from the Centre sparked a heated debate in the Jharkhand Assembly on Wednesday, the 19th day of the ongoing session. MLA Kalpana Soren voiced concerns over delayed wage payments and low wage rates, urging the state government to take immediate action. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radhakrishna Kishore supported her claims, accusing the Central Government of step-motherly treatment towards Jharkhand.
Raising the issue in the House, Gandey MLA Kalpana Murmu Soren highlighted that MNREGA workers in Jharkhand receive only Rs 235 per day, significantly lower than what workers in other states earn—often 40% more. She emphasized that over 1.03 crore workers in Jharkhand depend on MNREGARs delays in payments cause severe financial distress. She also demanded accountability from officials responsible for payment delays and called for an increase in the wage rate.
Responding to the concerns, Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh acknowledged the Rs 484 crore wage backlog and Rs 647 crore in unpaid material costs under MNREGA. She clarified, “The delay is due to pending funds from the Centre, not the inefficiency of state officials. Our government is committed to ensuring timely payments for laborers.”
Supporting Kalpana Soren’s stance, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radhakrishna Kishore asserted, “The Centre owes Jharkhand more than Rs 1100 crore across multiple schemes, including MNREGA and drinking water projects. This is slowing down the state’s development.” He further alleged that Jharkhand is being treated unfairly, which is hindering crucial welfare initiatives.
The discussion underscored growing tensions between the state and Centre over financial allocations, with lawmakers demanding urgent resolution of MNREGA wage issues.
