Agricultural labourers protest for 200 days of work under rural employment scheme

Agricultural labourers staged a fierce protest on Wednesday in front of the Zilla Panchayat office in Kalaburagi, demanding an increase in the number of working days under the rural employment guarantee scheme and the payment of pending wages. The agitation was carried out under the banner of the Karnataka Agricultural Workers Union, affiliated with the All India Agricultural Workers Union (AIAWU).

Protesters submitted a memorandum to the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat. The letter detailed the hardships faced by agricultural labourers due to the current drought-like conditions prevailing in the district. The union stated that farmers and agricultural labourers had sown crops after making significant investments in seeds, fertilisers, and other agricultural inputs, but suffered heavy losses as crops were destroyed due to the drought.

Due to the decrease in farming activities, many labourers have become unemployed and are struggling to make a living. The union levelled serious allegations that labourers working under the employment guarantee scheme have been cheated. It was alleged that wages of only ₹150 to ₹250 have been recorded in the Nominal Muster Rolls (NMRs). Additionally, complaints were made that workers are facing severe hardships due to the lack of timely payment of wages.

The union pointed out that in some Gram Panchayats, workers have already completed 125 days of employment. Therefore, they demanded that the number of guaranteed working days per year be increased to at least 200 days. Along with this, a demand was made to establish a system where wages are paid every week.

The memorandum further demanded that drought-relief works be undertaken in every village after the completion of 200 days of employment and that the 'Food for Work' scheme be implemented. The union also demanded the immediate payment of all pending wages. Furthermore, officials were requested to ensure that work is provided within three days when a labourer submits Form 6 to obtain employment under the scheme.

Union leaders appealed to the Chief Executive Officer to bring all these demands to the attention of the state government and take necessary steps to resolve the problems of agricultural labourers. The protest was led by District President Bhimshetty Yampalli, District Secretary Mallamma Kodli, Vice President Meghraj Katare, and Joint Secretary Prabhu Khanabaddi. Office bearers from various talukas of the district also participated in this agitation.

According to a report by The Hindu, through this protest, agricultural labourers raised their voice against their economic crisis and the flawed implementation of government schemes.