Bhubaneswar: The Gaon Sathi Sangh of Odisha, known for its unique protesting style, took to the streets again in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday demanding job regularisation, enhanced remuneration and other facilities.
Performing havan, kirtan and palla at Master Canteen Square, the Sangh members declared that if they are not heard, lakhs of Gaon Sathis from across the state will congregate in Bhubaneswar on February 5 and gherao the state Assembly building.
The Gaon Sathis, appointed in 2008 by the Panchayati Raj Department to monitor MNREGA projects in rural pockets of Odisha, are paid Rs 350 per day as incentive only when the MNREGA project is being executed. The Gaon Sathis are demanding permanent positions, a fixed allowance of Rs 10,000 per month and recognition as a block cadre.
It may be mentioned here that in September 2023, hundreds of Gaon Sathis prostrated on the streets of Bhubaneswar and swept the roads as a mark of protest during the Vidhan Sabha session following which they had several rounds of discussion with the government. Their demands are yet to be fulfilled.
Speaking to media, Gaon Sathi State Coordinator Laxmidhar Biswal alleged, “We were assured in September that our demand will be met and the Department has also given its recommendations in our favour. But we have not been invited to the important meeting being organized today at the Panchayati Raj Department while other groups have been invited. This shows the government has a step-motherly feeling towards us and so we are protesting.”
He added, “Today is Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary. MNREGA is named after him. We have started the protest and if we do not get a response, we will intensify our protest from February 5, 2024.”
A woman Gaon Sathi member said, “The government has been making us cry, if our demands are not fulfilled, we will make the government cry.”
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