In a significant development for Jammu and Kashmir’s rural workforce, the government has firmly ruled out regularizing the services of over 3,800 contract-based MGNREGA support staff. This announcement came during a legislative assembly session on Monday, where Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister addressed concerns raised by MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz.
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) remains a cornerstone of rural employment in the Union Territory. However, the scheme’s auxiliary employees—deployed at panchayat, block, district, division, and UT levels—operate strictly on temporary contracts. Their roles are vital: ensuring smooth implementation of job schemes right down to the grassroots.
Government data reveals these 3,800 workers have seen periodic hikes in their honorariums since their initial appointments. The latest revision, via Government Order No. 49-RT & PR dated January 30, 2024, substantially boosts monthly pay. Gram Rozgar Sevaks and Administrative/Account Assistants now earn Rs 10,209, up from Rs 6,806. Technical Assistants’ pay jumps to Rs 16,500 from Rs 11,000, while MIS Operators get Rs 13,200 from the same base.
Despite demands for permanence, officials reiterated that all such hires are scheme-specific and time-bound, not against sanctioned permanent posts. ‘No proposal for regularization is under consideration at present,’ the written reply stated unequivocally.
Future honorarium increases will be deliberated in upcoming State Employment Guarantee Council (SEGC) meetings. This stance underscores the Centre-sponsored nature of MGNREGA, prioritizing contractual flexibility amid fiscal constraints. Critics argue it leaves dedicated workers in limbo, urging policy rethink for long-term stability in rural development machinery.