Telangana finds itself once again grappling with what it perceives as unfair treatment in the recent decision to adjust wages for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers. Annually, the maximum daily wages are set by the Center in March, a crucial decision that impacts numerous workers across the country.
It has been declared that wages will witness an increase of 4 to 10 percent across various states, with Telangana settling at a finalized daily wage of Rs. 300. This figure marks a modest rise from the previous financial year’s Rs. 272. However, the disparity is stark in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh when compared to neighboring states, where laborers under the employment guarantee scheme will receive higher wages.
The issue at hand extends beyond mere numbers. For many laborers, particularly those working in both rural and urban areas, the prospect of earning a minimum of Rs. 700 per day is a stark contrast to the meager Rs. 300 promised by the Center for MGNREGS work. Consequently, there is a palpable lack of enthusiasm among workers to engage in guaranteed employment opportunities, especially when payments are irregular and often delayed.
The revised wages are as follows:
- Telangana, Andhra Pradesh – Rs. 300
- Tamil Nadu – Rs. 319
- Kerala – Rs. 346
- Karnataka – Rs. 349
- Goa – Rs. 356
- Haryana – Rs. 374