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J&K Govt Rules Out Regularisation of 3,800 MGNREGA Contract Staff

The Jammu and Kashmir government has officially stated there is no proposal to regularise the services of approximately 3,800 support staff working under the MGNREGA scheme. These personnel are engaged on a purely temporary and contractual basis, with their roles deemed critical for the grassroots implementation of the rural employment guarantee act. However, the government has periodically revised their honorarium, with the latest increase issued in January 2024. Their engagement is not against any sanctioned vacancy and is valid only for the contract period or the duration of the scheme.

Key Points: J&K No Plan to Regularise MGNREGA Support Staff

  • No regularisation plan
  • 3,800 contractual staff
  • Honorarium recently increased
  • Roles critical for grassroots implementation
  • Engagement is temporary
2 min read

J&K govt rules out regularisation of MGNREGA support staff

J&K government informs assembly no proposal to regularise 3,800 MGNREGA contractual staff, but announces revised honorarium.

"As on date, there is no proposal regarding regularisation of services of staff engaged under MGNREGA - Government Reply"

Jammu, Feb 9

The Jammu and Kashmir government informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday that there is no proposal under consideration to regularise Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act support staff in the Union Territory.

The government said that around 3,800 personnel are currently working purely on a contractual and temporary basis under the MGNREGA across Jammu and Kashmir.

The information was shared by the Minister In-charge, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, in a written reply to a question raised by MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz.

According to the government, nearly 3,800 MGNREGA support staff are engaged in J&K, and their honorarium has been periodically revised since their initial contractual appointments.

Detailing the role of the personnel, the department said MGNREGA staff are deployed at various levels - panchayat, block, district, divisional and UT - and play a critical role in the grassroots implementation of the rural employment scheme.

On the question of regularisation, the government reiterated that all supporting staff under the centrally sponsored MGNREGA scheme are engaged on a temporary, contractual basis, valid only for the contract period or the duration of the scheme, whichever concludes earlier.

Their engagement is not against any sanctioned vacancy.

"As on date, there is no proposal regarding regularisation of services of staff engaged under MGNREGA," the reply stated.

However, the department noted that the honorarium for supporting staff has been raised periodically, with the latest revision issued under Government Order No. 49-RD&PR of 2024 dated January 30, 2024.

Under the revised structure, monthly honorarium has been increased as follows: Gram Rozgar Sevak (GRS) from Rs 6,806 to Rs 10,209; Technical Assistant from Rs 11,000 to Rs 16,500; MIS Operator from Rs 11,000 to Rs 13,200; and Administrative/Accounts Assistant from Rs 6,806 to Rs 10,209.

The government added that any future enhancement of honorarium would be considered in subsequent meetings of the State Employment Guarantee Council (SEGC).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the honorarium hike is a positive step, it doesn't solve the core issue of insecurity. These staff members are the backbone of MGNREGA implementation in J&K. Without regularisation, how can we expect them to be fully committed? The government needs to rethink this.
R
Rohit P
I understand the government's position that these are not against sanctioned posts. But practically speaking, if the work is continuous and essential, shouldn't the posts be created? This "contractual forever" model is exploitative. J&K needs stable employment.
S
Sarah B
The increase in honorarium is significant and should be acknowledged. From ~Rs. 6800 to over Rs. 10,000 for GRS is a good jump. Maybe focusing on fair pay for now is more realistic than regularisation, given the scheme's nature. A balanced view is needed.
M
Manish T
This is a common issue across many states, not just J&K. So many central schemes run on contractual staff. The system itself needs reform. Until then, at least ensure timely payments and proper working conditions for these dedicated workers. 🙏
K
Kriti O
As someone from a rural area, I've seen how hard the Gram Rozgar Sevak works. They are the link between the village and the scheme. Telling them their job is only temporary when the work is permanent feels wrong. Hope the MLA who raised this continues to push.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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