Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly heard a stark reality check on Monday: the roughly 3,800 MGNREGA support staff will stay on contract, with zero plans for regularization. Rural Development Minister’s response to MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz’s query laid bare the contractual backbone of the flagship rural jobs program.
These workers form the operational spine of MGNREGA across the Union Territory’s administrative layers—from village panchayats to district headquarters. They manage on-ground execution, data handling, and administrative support, making rural employment guarantees a reality for millions.
Contractual from day one, their appointments align with scheme duration, not fixed posts. Honorariums have climbed steadily, with the most recent uplift in late January 2024. Key changes include Gram Rozgar Sevaks’ pay rising 50% to Rs 10,209 monthly; Technical Assistants to Rs 16,500; MIS Operators to Rs 13,200; and admin aides matching GRS levels.
The government’s position is clear: no regularization push exists today. Any further pay tweaks hinge on SEGC deliberations. This decision arrives amid broader debates on job security in government schemes, where temporary staffing cuts costs but fuels worker unrest. As J&K navigates post-Article 370 realities, balancing fiscal prudence with workforce morale remains a tightrope walk. Advocates for the staff highlight years of service, calling for equity in recognition.