NAPM extends solidarity to Rangad’s protest over govt failure to release financial aid to marginalized workers

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 23, 2021

The National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has expressed solidarity with the ongoing protest staged by Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) leader Angela Rangad and demand the state government to immediately release the financial assistance promised to marginalized workers. 

In a statement issued on Friday, the NAPM said the government’s inaction on the matter has compelled Rangad to embark on a sit-in-protest for over four days at the gate of the secretariat.

It said the struggle to ensure the distribution of the Rs. 52 crores promised in March 2020 under the Chief Minister’s Relief Against Wage Loss (CRAWL) has gone on for over a year, with the involvement of Thma u Rangli Juki (TUR), the collective which Angela is part of. 

The financial assistance was intended to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on unorganized sector workers like domestic workers, street vendors, and daily wager workers. 

An RTI filed by TUR in November 2020 showed irregularities not only in registering the workers entitled to this cash transfer, but also in transferring the promised amount of INR 2100, corresponding to compensation for 3 weeks. 

The disbursement of the Rs. 5,000/- intended for each labourer registered under the Meghalaya Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (MBOCWWB) is similarly pending and has failed to provide the necessary relief.

“The Government of Meghalaya, and the Deputy CM and Minister in charge Labour, Prestone Tynsong have been blatantly refusing to acknowledge any irregularity,” the NAPM said.

“In spite of prior demands by TUR, and other organizations, it is alleged that the Govt of Meghalaya has refused to take action and make available the financial assistance that the workers are entitled to.

Unsurprisingly, the Govt is more preoccupied with ensuring the well-being of the rich, leaving the working classes to suffer the impact of loss of livelihood sources and access to food, healthcare and shelter,” it added.

The NAPM demanded immediate action by the Govt of Meghalaya, and the Deputy CM, Prestone Tynsong to ensure registration of all unorganized sector workers under CRAWL, and releasing the Rs 2,100 immediately to all.

It said the government should ensure release of Rs 5,000 to all labourers registered under the Meghalaya Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

The government is also demanded to consolidate the MLA fund for the year and using the amount to support the families of unorganized sector workers, with financial assistance of Rs 5,000 in two instalments.

“The government should utilize 20% of the salaries of Class I officers and tax refunds for IAS and IPS officers, to cover out of pocket expenses for covid-affected working class people during the pandemic.and to nsure 200 person-days work under NREGA, annually across Meghalaya, with Rs 600 as the per day wage,” the NAPM stated.