Mahila Congress Leaders Demand Immediate Release of MNREGA Wages, Call for Stronger Accountability
Srinagar, January 17, 2026
Under the leadership of Shameema Raina, President of J&K Pradesh Mahila Congress, women leaders and activists convened today for the “MNREGA BACHAO SANGRAM” and an executive meeting titled “Humari Riyasat Humara Haq” to press the government to release pending wages, ensure timely payment of workers’ dues, and strengthen implementation and accountability of rural employment schemes.
The meeting brought together local Mahila Congress members, community organizers, and MNREGA beneficiaries to highlight growing delays in wage disbursements and gaps in program delivery. Participants demanded immediate release of withheld funds and called for systemic measures to end bureaucratic delays that undermine workers’ livelihoods. “MNREGA is not just a scheme; it is a commitment to rural India’s dignity and prosperity,” said Shameema Raina. “We will not allow this vital safety net to be weakened. Workers who have labored under the program must receive their rightful wages without further delay.”
Speakers contrasted MNREGA with the recently proposed VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission), noting both schemes aim to provide rural employment but differ in key design features. MNREGA guarantees 100 days of work with wages fully covered by the central government, while VB-G RAM G proposes an expanded guarantee of 125 days with a funding sharing model of 60:40 center-state (90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states). While some welcome the increased days of employment under VB-G RAM G, meeting participants warned that changes in funding structure could create new bottlenecks unless strict accountability and clear timelines are enforced.
The executive meeting outlined a short list of actionable demands: immediate release of pending wages and funds; enforcement of timely payment cycles for workers’ dues; and enhanced transparency in implementation to hold local officials accountable. Attendees also proposed a monitoring cell within the Mahila Congress to document wage delay cases and coordinate with state authorities to expedite relief. The group emphasized that any reform or new program must preserve the core principle of guaranteed work and timely pay, and must protect the economic security of rural households who depend on these earnings for food, shelter, and education.
