Bidar, 13 August

A recent accident in Telangana that killed six residents of Bidar has brought renewed attention to the reason why rural population is seeking work and better pay in neighbouring states. 

Rural Development, Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre told Salar News that employment was at the root of the tragedy. The six migrant workers from Rajgira village were travelling to Telangana for work and better pay. 

The recent changes to the flagship rural employment scheme MGNREGA is forcing Karnataka’s rural population to seek better job opportunities in neighbouring states, officials told Salar News.

The women were among the 12 workers travelling in an auto when a truck hit them. They had been travelling to Zaheerabad every day for work. 

Khandre said the government currently provides Rs 385 a day under VB-GRAMG, the new name for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), but workers can earn Rs 500 to Rs 800 in other places. 

However, he acknowledged that this was not a new phenomenon. 

"Villagers have been going to other states for work for several years. It is the responsibility of our officials to create employment opportunities locally,” he added. 

Former minister and ex-MLA of Bidar South Bandeppa Kashempur said that the reason people have to travel for work is because schemes are not being properly implemented.

“Such incidents can be prevented,” he told Salar News. “If work is provided in the village, people will not migrate to neighbouring states.” 

MGNREGA guaranteed only 100 days of work, leaving workers to find employment for the rest of the year. Although the VB-GRAM G has increased it 125 days, that too will be insufficient, he said. The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G) has controversially implemented a 60-day no-work period. 

"Under VB-GRAM G, workers need to register only once and can apply for work at the Gram Panchayat office whenever needed. But in a Gram Panchayat where 800 people are registered, job cards of 700 have been cancelled. Only 100 job cards are active," he said. "As a result, the remaining 700 people are forced to go to other states like Telangana in search of work to support their families.”

The recent accident triggered outrage among sections of the local population, who demanded government action.