Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday announced that former ‘Makkal Nala Paniyalargal’ (welfare workers) would be given priority in the appointment of project coordinators under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in 12,524 village panchayats.
When AIADMK MLA Sellur K. Raju (Madurai West) voiced concerns in the Assembly, Mr. Stalin intervened and said the decision was made after talks with the former workers. But it would be subject to the outcome of the litigation pending before the Supreme Court.
If appointed, they would additionally hold responsibilities in the village panchayats and be paid ₹7,500 a month, Mr. Stalin said. In the case of former welfare workers who died in the past 10 years, their legal heirs would be given priority in the appointment of coordinators, if they desired, Mr. Stalin said.
