CityweliveA state-level convention of the MGNREGA Workers’ Union, headed by Baldev Singh Pandori, was convened in Jalandhar today, drawing participation from MGNREGA labourers across various villages. A comprehensive report prepared by Deepak Hoshiarpur, outlining the hardships and urgent concerns of the workers, was thoroughly deliberated. Although the MGNREGA programme was recognised as a vital support system for the most impoverished households, especially Dalits and women in rural regions, attendees alleged that persistent actions by both the Central and state governments—enabled by deep-rooted bureaucratic hurdles—were systematically undermining the initiative to benefit corporate entities. Speakers highlighted grievances such as unfair terminations, exploitation, and widespread corruption.
In response to these concerns, and following a recommendation by Gurnam Singh Daud, General Secretary of the Dehati Mazdoor Sabha (Punjab), it was resolved to hold three major zonal assemblies to assert the workers’ demands.
Union leaders declared that labourers from the Majha and Doaba belts would assemble at Desh Bhagat Yadgar, Jalandhar, on July 6. Likewise, workers from Bathinda, Mansa, Faridkot, Muktsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Moga would gather at Teachers’ Home, Bathinda, on July 11. On July 13, labourers from Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Barnala, Ropar, and Mohali would meet in Patiala.
To ensure the effectiveness of these assemblies, village-level mobilisation efforts and district-wide coordination meetings would be initiated, union leaders stated.
Pargat Singh Jamarai and Dharminder Singh, General Secretary of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Naujawan Sabha (Punjab), endorsed the resolutions and assured full cooperation. Other participants who voiced their opinions included Prakash Singh Nandgarh (Bathinda), Charanjit Singh Thammuwal and Satpal Singh Sahota (Jalandhar), Harpal Singh Jagatpur (Nawan Shahr), Narinder Singh Rathod, Karam Singh Pandori, Sarpanch Meena Kumari (Tarn Taran), Sarpanch Pralahad Singh Niyal (Patiala), Gurjit Singh, and Kuldeep Singh Rathod.
The Joint Platform of Public Organisations (JPPO) also announced its participation in the state conference at Desh Bhagat Yadgar, Jalandhar, on June 21 and affirmed its backing for the all-India strike planned for July 9.
The meeting concluded with a firm denunciation of the ‘anti-labour directive’ issued by the Bhagwant Mann-led state administration and a call for its immediate revocation.
