The MGNREGA Employees Union in Palamu has formally petitioned the Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) for the regularization of its members. A union delegation met with the DDC, demanding that the issue of MGNREGA workers’ permanent status be submitted to the recently formed internal committee for contract staff. The workers, who have reportedly served with dedication for many years, are concerned about their future employment stability. The union’s president, Pankaj Singh, stated that despite their crucial role in rural development, they are not recognized as permanent employees. He further pointed out the dissatisfaction among MGNREGA staff as regularization efforts by the state government appear to bypass them, unlike employees in other sectors. Devendra Upadhyay, the state convener, urged the administration to seriously consider and act upon their long-standing demands for regularization. The union has put forth a warning of potential protests if no concrete action is taken soon.
