Fri Jul 04 14:41:27 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Over 2,000 women in Prathabaramapuram village, Nagapattinam district, India, have filed registered post applications demanding work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Led by former panchayat president R.V.S. Sivarasu, the protest highlights the significant decrease in MGNREGA employment and disbursement in the village this financial year. Residents attribute this issue to the absence of elected local body representatives and claim it disproportionately affects vulnerable community members who rely on the scheme for income. They are demanding work within the stipulated 15 days, or compensation as mandated by the Act.

**News Article:**

**Nagapattinam Women Demand MGNREGA Work Amidst Implementation Concerns**

**Nagapattinam, July 4, 2025:** Over 2,000 women from Prathabaramapuram village in Nagapattinam district have launched a mass protest, demanding immediate employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The women filed registered post applications on Friday, signaling growing discontent over the perceived neglect of the scheme.

Led by former panchayat president R.V.S. Sivarasu, the protest underscores a significant drop in MGNREGA activity within the village. Sivarasu claims that only 1,725 person-days of work have been generated so far this financial year, with a disbursement of just ₹6.23 lakh, a drastic decline from the ₹3-4 crore allocated in previous years.

Residents attribute the issue to the absence of elected local body representatives, claiming it has hindered the effective implementation of the scheme. “A registered worker has the legal right to demand work under MGNREGA, and employment must be provided within 15 days. If not, compensation must be paid, as stipulated under the Act,” stated Mr. Sivarasu.

The community, particularly widows, senior citizens, and economically vulnerable families, rely heavily on MGNREGA for sustenance. With each registered worker entitled to 100 days of employment annually, the sharp decline in available work is causing significant hardship. Protesters are demanding immediate action to address the issue and ensure the scheme’s proper implementation.

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