Tue Oct 14 15:25:12 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Hindu newspaper reports on an AIDWA (All India Democratic Women’s Association) protest in Ramanathapuram, India. The protesters are demanding the disbursement of pending wages for workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. They are also calling for an increase in the scheme’s duration from 100 to 200 days, a higher wage of ₹600, accommodations for differently-abled workers, and travel allowances to distant worksites. The protesters allege the Union government is withholding funds due to work being done in Tamil Nadu water bodies.

**News Article:**

**AIDWA Protests Wage Delays, Demands MGNREGA Expansion in Ramanathapuram**

**Ramanathapuram, India – October 14, 2025** – Members of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) staged a demonstration in Ramanathapuram today, demanding the immediate disbursement of long-overdue wages to workers employed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Protesters also called for significant improvements to the scheme, including an extension of the employment period and better conditions for workers.

The demonstration, led by District President M. Lakshmi, highlighted the plight of MGNREGA workers who have reportedly not received their wages for several months. “With Deepavali fast approaching, it is crucial that these workers receive their due pay,” Lakshmi stated, addressing the assembled crowd.

Beyond wage arrears, AIDWA is advocating for a substantial increase in the number of workdays offered under the MGNREGA scheme, from the current 100 to 200 days annually. They are also demanding a daily wage of ₹600. Further, the organization is calling for accommodations for differently-abled individuals, including offering shorter four-hour workdays, as well as the provision of travel allowances to workers assigned to worksites located far from their homes.

Protesters allege that the Union government is deliberately withholding funds from MGNREGA projects in Tamil Nadu due to ongoing work being carried out in water bodies. This claim, if true, would severely impede the ability of the scheme to provide crucial employment opportunities in the region.

State Deputy Secretary Karpagam and District Vice President Kannagi were among the other prominent figures present at the demonstration. The protest underscores the growing concerns about the effectiveness of the MGNREGA scheme and the need for improved support for rural workers.

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