Shillong, July 21: Community and Rural Development Minister Abu Taher Mondal has instructed his department to verify whether minimum wages are being implemented in all Community and Rural Development (C&RD) blocks across Meghalaya.
This directive comes after the government had to cancel the inauguration of the Mawpat C&RD Block office building due to a protest by the local dorbar shnong.
The protest was staged because the government allegedly failed to honor an agreement signed when the land for the block office was handed over.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mondal said, “Already we have conducted (an audit). Today we have ask (the department) again to see whether such issues are pending in other blocks or not in regards to minimum wages.”
According to him, a meeting with other departments will also be called to discuss the issue.
Mondal assured that in regards to the issues raised by the Mawpat dorbar shnong, the government would fulfill the agreement’s terms in letter and spirit.
According to him, five locals have already been appointed to the Mawpat block, and similar appointments have been made in other blocks.
The minister also termed the dorbar shnong’s demand for minimum wages for casual employees as genuine. He invited them to discuss their concerns with him directly, provided they schedule an appointment.
To a query, Mondal stated that there are currently no proposals for creating new blocks, but the government continuously reviews the need for additional blocks based on accessibility and population requirements.
He mentioned that the government has created 56 C&RD blocks so far, with nine new blocks established in the previous term and one, Mawhati block, created and inaugurated this term by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on January 25, 2025.
The minister did not specify a date for the inauguration of the Mawpat block, saying it would happen once all issues are resolved and the sentiments of the local people are considered.
He also mentioned that some groups are scheduled to meet with him, and he will assess their intention.
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