MGNREGA is a statutory right; dilution will hurt rural poor: Tara Chand

STATE TIMES NEWS

KHOUR: The monthly meeting of Congress workers from Akhnoor and Chaamb Constituencies was held today at Chak Malal under the leadership of the Working President and former Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand. The meeting saw an extensive discussion of current issues facing the people of Jammu and Kashmir, with a particular focus on governance failures, economic challenges, and the ongoing plight of flood victims.

During the meeting, Former Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand strongly criticized the government for its deliberate attempts to dilute the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which he called a statutory right of the people. He stressed that MGNREGA has been a crucial lifeline for rural populations, and any efforts to weaken it would directly harm the livelihoods of thousands of families. He urged the government to respect this law and ensure its proper implementation for the welfare of the people.
Tara Chand also expressed his grave concern over the mounting public issues that the Union Territory is currently grappling with. The failure of the government to address basic necessities and to prioritize the welfare of the people was a key point raised during the meeting.
One of the major demands raised by Tara Chand was the regularization of long-pending daily wagers, need-based, and contractual employees in J&K. He highlighted that these workers, who have been providing essential services for years, continue to live in uncertainty without job security, and it is high time the government fulfills its promises to these dedicated employees.
The former Deputy Chief Minister also questioned the government’s handling of flood relief and rehabilitation efforts. More than eight months after the devastating floods, the government has failed to provide adequate relief to the affected families. Many flood victims are still waiting for proper rehabilitation, and the response from the administration has been woefully inadequate, leading to further distress for the people.
Tara Chand also reminded the government of the tall promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the time of elections, which remain unfulfilled even today. He specifically mentioned the promise of providing one lakh jobs to the youth of J&K, twelve free LPG cylinders to every household, 200 units of free electricity, and the abolition of smart meters, which have only added to the financial burden of common people.
He asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will not forget these assurances and demanded that the government must immediately fulfill its electoral promises in letter and spirit.
Tara Chand further expressed his concern about the economic policies of both the central and local governments, emphasizing that unemployment remains one of the most pressing issues in Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out the lack of employment opportunities and the insufficient support for young professionals, which has led to widespread frustration among the youth.
Reiterating the Congress party’s firm stance on the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Tara Chand called for immediate action from the government to restore the region’s identity . He stressed that full statehood is a necessary step toward ensuring the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and safeguarding the region’s unique culture, heritage, and democratic rights.
In his concluding remarks, Tara Chand exhorted party workers to continue strengthening the Congress party organization across Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that only through unity, dedication, and hard work can the party ensure that it remains a strong voice for the people, fighting for their rights and pushing for accountability from the government.
The meeting ended on a note of solidarity, with party workers pledging to continue working for the betterment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to hold the government accountable for its failures.
Prominent among those who were present on the occasion include Ashok Sharma, Suraj Singh, Jagdish Raj, Capt kalidass, Bodh Raj, Capt Gopal Dass, Devinder Singh Bhau, Sham Lal Radha, Mohan Lal, kasturi lal, Bachno Devi, Veena Devi, Hansraj Bhagat, Ishar Dass, and others.