Shimla, Dec 8 – Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) workers in Himachal Pradesh are gearing up to observe a black day on December 12, protesting against the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government’s denial of benefits under the Sharmik Kalyan Board. The decision was announced by Mandi CITU Secretary Bhupendra Singh in a conversation with UNI on Thursday.
Under the umbrella body of CITU, MNREGA workers from all 12 districts will participate in protests at the village level. Singh alleged that the Sukhu government had betrayed MNREGA workers by revoking benefits extended to them a year ago through a December 12 notification, aligning with other workers under the Sharmik Kalyan Board.
Singh accused the government of reducing the number of job card holders and job days, breaching the statutory provision and leaving workers without essential employment and working days. The protest aims to denounce the government’s actions, with workers planning to burn effigies or copies of the notification in their villages.
Terming the Sukhu government as “anti-worker,” Singh highlighted that Labour Welfare Board benefits have been stopped for the last year under its rule. The state government’s actions have fueled dissatisfaction among MNREGA workers, prompting them to express their discontent through the upcoming black day protest.
The MNREGA workers, supported by CITU, are determined to make their voices heard and demand the restoration of their due benefits under the Sharmik Kalyan Board. The protest is expected to draw attention to the grievances of workers who feel neglected and deprived by the government’s decisions.
