20/08/2026
The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) in staged a protest in front of the Hittanahalli Gram Panchayat office in Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka, demanding that work be provided to workers under the V.B. Gram G scheme, which has been introduced after renaming MGNREGA.
Following the protest, more than 350 workers were provided work at Aladahalli Lake.
However, even though the worksite is about five kilometres away from the village, the workers are not being provided any travel allowance. According to the GPS-marked location, workers have to travel three kilometres from their villages and then another two kilometres to reach the worksite, making the total distance five kilometres one way. Since they have to walk the same distance while returning after completing the work, they are forced to walk up to a total of 10 kilometres every day.
In addition, an individual photograph of each worker has to be taken and uploaded on the app. If there are problems with the app or network connectivity, workers are forced to wait until the evening. Moreover, workers have to leave their work and wait for BFTs and Panchayat personnel who come to take photographs.
As a result, workers are facing considerable difficulties in obtaining work under the V.B. Gram G scheme.
At a time when poor people across the state are suffering due to drought, the state government has now come forward to provide work amid several difficulties and confusion surrounding the implementation of the scheme. This scheme provides hope and a means of livelihood to poor rural workers and destitute women. Therefore, it must be implemented effectively and without causing unnecessary hardship to workers.
