For the ‘Makkal Nala Paniyalargals’, who have had a roller coaster ride with every change in regime in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s announcement on according them priority in the appointment of project coordinators under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has offered a ray of hope.
But many workers have either retired or died or on the verge of retirement. Appointed during the DMK government of M. Karunanidhi, they were sacked by the AIADMK government.
“Of the 13,500 workers (awaiting reinstatement), 3,500 have died or retired. Over 200 persons died by suicide. Many of those who are waiting for reinstatement are likely to retire in the coming months. Even the youngest among them will have just five years of service, if reinstated,” said Nal. Chellapandian, president, Tamil Nadu Makkal Nala Paniyalargal Sangam.
