24/07/2025
*Residents of Shahgund Panchayat C Decry Non-Payment of NREGA Wages Since 2023, Demand Immediate Redressal*
Bandipora, July 24:Residents of Shahgund in the Naidkhai block of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the local administration over the non-payment of wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) since 2023. The issue pertains specifically to Panchayat C Shahgund, where workers claim that despite completing assigned tasks and Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs) being generated by the concerned department, they have not received any payments.
Shahzad Ahmad Dar, a local resident, voiced his frustration, questioning, “Why is it that only Panchayat C Shahgund is facing this issue? Why have other panchayats received their payments? Is this not clear favouritism?” He further alleged that while workers affiliated with political parties like the National Conference, Congress, and PDP have received their wages, those without affiliations continue to suffer.
The residents claim they have repeatedly contacted the Block Development Office (BDO) Naidkhai, but their calls go unanswered. “This silence from the BDO is unacceptable. It reeks of favouritism and possibly corruption,” Dar added. He appealed to Deputy Commissioner Bandipora and Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora to personally intervene and resolve the matter promptly.
Another resident, Mohammad Yousuf Dar, echoed similar sentiments. “We worked with honesty under the NREGA scheme in 2023. The work was completed, and FTOs were generated months ago. Yet we are left without payment. We have families to feed. Our hard work is being disregarded and our voices silenced,” he said. Yousuf added that they had submitted multiple verbal and written complaints at the BDO office, but no action was taken. “This is a matter of our livelihood. Why are our genuine grievances being ignored?” he questioned.
When the said reporter attempted to contact the concerned BDO via multiple phone calls, no call was answered. “Even when I tried again later, he denied my call,” said one of the affected residents. Several villagers also claimed to have audio recordings and complaint letters that corroborate their claims.
The Shahgund residents have now urged higher authorities in the administration to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure timely disbursement of their pending dues. “We only ask for what we have earned. If this issue is not resolved soon, we may be forced to protest,” warned the villagers.
The people of Shahgund Panchayat C have demanded transparency, accountability, and immediate intervention from the district administration to end their months-long ordeal.
