In an unexpected turn during the Uttar Pradesh (UP) election season, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) workers are witnessing heightened demand, not for their traditional manual labour, but as foot soldiers for political campaigns.
This trend has ignited a discourse on the exploitation of these workers for political purposes, not by a particular party but by parties of all hues.
Typically earning around `250 per day for their labour, MGNREGA workers are now being tempted into election rallies and canvassing with promises of `300 wages, supplemented with three meals a day and even evening liquor.
The surge in pay, coupled with additional perks, has resulted in a scarcity of MGNREGA workers willing to partake in their usual tasks, such as pond digging or rural development work, across various regions of UP.
Raja Bhaiya, head of the Vidya Dham Samiti NGO in Banda, UP, noted that in the Bundelkhand region, these workers are engaged in election campaigns for as low as `200-250 per day.
“They are attracted by the promise of three meals a day and evening liquor. And this is sufficient incentive for them to work at lower rates,” he told The Pioneer, adding “these workers are doubling up as political karyakarta”.
Sukhai Ram, a MGNREGA job card holder, was assigned to work on a pond and culvert construction project in Gram Sabha Karonda, Barabanki, but has declined, citing the allure of higher wages and “shaam ki diwai,” referring to alcohol.
The Department of Rural Development in Lucknow has received complaints from several districts regarding the disruption of MGNREGA work due to elections. “Labour shortages are common during elections. Diversion is inevitable, and the Government has limited control over it,” a senior official informed.
These workers are tasked with carrying election materials, waving flags at rallies, and participating in roadshows.
The exploitation of MGNREGA workers for political ends has drawn condemnation from various quarters, raising concerns about the moral implications of such practices.
Political analyst Dr Rajesh Sharma remarked, “The exploitation of MGNREGA workers for election purposes raises serious ethical questions. These vulnerable workers are being lured with temporary benefits to serve political interests, undermining the essence of the employment guarantee scheme.”
This issue has reignited debates about the efficacy of MGNREGA in combating rural unemployment and poverty, with some arguing that the scheme’s objectives are being compromised for short-term political gains.
The ramifications of this trend are evident on the ground, as rural development projects suffer from labour shortages, impacting the pace and quality of work in various UP regions.
In response to criticism, political parties have defended their actions, citing the need for manpower during election campaigns and asserting that they are providing job opportunities to MGNREGA workers.
“With soaring temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, people prefer staying indoors. We require foot soldiers and have recruited some from villages,” stated Rupesh Kumar, a BJP leader, although he claimed ignorance about whether these recruits are MGNREGA workers.
However, civil society organisations and activists have called for enhanced oversight and accountability to prevent the exploitation of MGNREGA workers and uphold the integrity of the employment guarantee scheme.
As the election season progresses, the debate surrounding the utilisation of MGNREGA workers for election campaigns is expected to persist, underscoring the intricate dynamics between politics, labour, and rural welfare schemes in India.
