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The function was inaugurated by local legislator, Mr Surendra Patel. Also among the participants were Prerna Cultural Group who presented skits on social issues.

During this meeting, representatives of MNREGA labourers raised concerns about implementation of MNREGA as well as the extent of corruption. They also pointed to the pressures on those who are raising concerns with the problems with MNREGA implementation and how they are being violently targetted. There was unanimous demand that government action and legal support is necessary to curb this.

Supreme Court appointed advisor to Committee on Right to Food -Arundhati Dhuru - pointed out that the MNREGA was enacted after a long struggle and there are serious penalties and punishment for irregularities in implementation of MNREGA.

Daily wage compaign activist and member of Sangatin, sitapur - Richa Singh - presented the example of labourers in Sitapur who were able to access unemployment benefits only after a long struggle. She called for readiness and continued struggle to ensure that implementation of MNREGA continued transparently and provided relief to those it is meant to support.

Nandlal Master from Lok Samiti talked about the logistical problems that people were facing with MNREGA and called for the administration to put in place processes to address these problems. Numerous other social activitsts and representatives from the labour movements also shared their perspectives.

During this gathering, all presented a 11-point demand to central and state representatives. Chief Development Officer - Mr Sharad Kumar Singh - who was present at the meeting acknowledged the demands raised by labour representatives and social activists and agreed to attempt to address them at his level. These included:
1. MNREGA wages must meet Minimum Wage Standards set by state and central governments
2. Compensation for delay in fulfilling MNREGA programs at village levels and processes to ensure wages delivered.
3. The number of days for MNREGA based employment be increased to 200 days.
4. MNREGA based employment right be for individuals rather than for families.
5. Immediate appointment of a public justice system for inconsistencies and complaints with MNREGA programs and ensuring that impartial and immediate provision of justice.
6. An act similar to MNREGA be promulgated for urban poor (that accounts for self-employment).
7. An establishment of a rural bank at the Panchayat level for MNREGA labours as well for pension plans developed for social welfare in the rural sector.
8. Infrastructure and facilities that are part of MNREGA be available at all MNREGA work sites
9. Priority given to employment of Dalits, schduled castes, tribes, women and those with disabilities.
10. Quick provision of justice on complaints in MNREGA implementation and stringent punishment against those held responsible for irregularities and corrupt practices.
11. Those response for violence against social activists and citizens who are working to ensure MNREGA works through RTI and other processes be brought to justice.

During the meeting, the union also attempted to establish working groups for the union at the village level. These labour groups acknowledged the work of social activists and labour leaders who have continued to work to strengthen the functioning and implementation of MNREGA.

For more information, contact Lok Samiti, 9415300520