The Jammu and Kashmir government clarified to the Legislative Assembly that there are no current considerations to regularize the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) support staff in the Union Territory. Approximately 3,800 personnel are presently employed on a contractual and temporary basis under the MGNREGA scheme across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister In-charge of the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj disclosed this information in response to a query raised by MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz. The government highlighted that these 3,800 MGNREGA support staff members are actively involved at various levels, including panchayat, block, district, divisional, and UT levels, playing a crucial role in the grassroots implementation of the rural employment initiative.
Regarding the regularization issue, the government reiterated that all MGNREGA support staff are currently engaged on a temporary contractual basis, with their appointments valid for the contract period or the scheme’s duration, whichever ends first. The engagement of these staff members does not contravene any sanctioned vacancies.
The government emphasized that there is no existing proposal for the regularization of services for the MGNREGA support staff. However, it was noted that the honorarium for these staff members has been periodically increased, with the latest revision issued under Government Order No. 49-RD&PR of 2024 dated January 30, 2024.
Under the revised structure, the monthly honorarium for various positions has been raised significantly. For instance, the Gram Rozgar Sevak (GRS) saw an increase from Rs 6,806 to Rs 10,209, the Technical Assistant from Rs 11,000 to Rs 16,500, the MIS Operator from Rs 11,000 to Rs 13,200, and the Administrative/Accounts Assistant from Rs 6,806 to Rs 10,209. Any future enhancements in honorarium will be deliberated in subsequent meetings of the State Employment Guarantee Council (SEGC).
