The number of workdays for MGNREGA workers has decreased, wages have not increased as promised: Pravir Chakraborty

Agartala, Jan 14, 2025, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: Jan 14: The seven-year tenure of the state's 'double-engine' government is nearing completion, prompting questions about its achievements. Pravir Chakraborty, the spokesperson of the state Congress, raised these concerns at a press conference held at the state Congress Bhavan on Tuesday. He compared the current government with the previous Left Front government and criticized the 'double-engine' administration.

Chakraborty highlighted that the previous government often cited a lack of central assistance as a reason for inadequate development and employment opportunities. He noted that the state's debt before 2018 was 11,851 crore rupees. Before the 2018 assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state BJP leaders had promised ample financial assistance from the center, with 299 promises made. However, Chakraborty claimed that none of these promises have been fully implemented, and the state's debt has increased by 26,446 crore rupees.

He further criticized the current government for various issues, including the lack of central pay scale for teachers and employees, irregular employment, and inadequate dearness allowance. He mentioned that over 40,000 people have been removed from the list of social benefit recipients, and 60,000 eligible individuals have not been included. The number of workdays for MGNREGA workers has decreased, wages have not increased as promised, and there have been almost no new recruitments.

Chakraborty also pointed out that no new schools or hospitals have been built, and existing infrastructure projects are deteriorating due to poor construction quality. He accused the government of corruption and commission trade worth crores of rupees, leading to low-quality work in construction projects, including national highways.

He highlighted the government's response to the devastating flood of August last year, which affected over 17 lakh people and caused a loss of more than 15,000 crore rupees. Despite this, the state government sought financial assistance of 7,083.55 crore rupees from the center, with 5,854.83 crore rupees allocated for infrastructure repair.

Chakraborty also mentioned discrepancies between central and state government data on flood damage and criticized the state government's claims of development and good governance. He cited a Reserve Bank of India report showing that the working class in Tripura receives lower wages compared to other states, and a National Family Health Survey report indicating high rates of anemia among children and women in the state.

He concluded by stating that the unemployment rate has increased to 14.5%, agricultural production is decreasing, and many workers have lost their jobs. He accused the state government of misleading the public with false claims of increased income and employment opportunities, while a section of ministers and BJP leaders, along with the mafia, are benefiting. He announced plans for a larger movement to oust the current government from power.