An advocate and a social activist have written to the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) to complain about the pause in MGNREGA projects in Laitnongkseh village, which falls under Sohiong block in East Khasi Hills.
The petitioners, representing the residents of Laitnongkseh, stated that there has been a lack of action by the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Sohiong regarding the execution and stagnation of the MGNREGA scheme in the village for the past two years.
The suspension, according to Enlang Sawian and Purningstar Shabong, is primarily attributed to complaints raised by two individuals, Philstar Nongbri and Devius Lyngdoh, and a few others who do not possess job cards. The complaints were regarding the construction of a motorable road.
“The stagnation of the MGNREGA scheme in Laitnongkseh has been a source of distress for the local community, particularly affecting the livelihoods of residents who rely on the scheme for employment opportunities,” the MHRC was told.
The petitioners informed that the Dorbar Shnong of Laitnongkseh and the Village Employment Council (VEC) have made several attempts to engage with the BDO to discuss the ongoing suspension of the scheme but the official has not, Sawian and Shabong stated, taken any substantial action or shown concern regarding the halt in the implementation of this vital scheme in the village for the last two years.
The petitioners urged the commission to intervene in this matter, investigate the reasons behind the BDO’s inaction and issue directives for the immediate resumption of the MGNREGA activities in the village.
