Agartala, 16th October 2026 : Anger and frustration have mounted among MGNREGA workers in Tripura over the alleged delay in payment of wages, with the issue triggering a road blockade at Chhankhala along the Khowai-Agartala National Highway.
The workers, who claim they have not received wages despite putting in long hours of hard labour, took to the streets to protest the delay. The situation has become particularly distressing for them as the festive season approaches, leaving many struggling to manage their household expenses without their earnings.
During a discussion with officials, the workers questioned the status of wage payments and the processing of Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs). They expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of entries processed and sought clarification about the reasons behind the delay.
In response, officials reportedly stated that the generation of FTOs depended on actual demand and informed the workers that a requisition for funds had already been submitted. They assured them that the pending process could be completed once the funds arrived.
However, the explanation failed to ease the workers’ concerns. They questioned how they could continue to manage their daily expenses after working for extended periods without receiving their dues.
The discussion also highlighted the difficulties faced by officials at the local and district levels, with the issue reportedly linked to the availability of funds and decisions at the state level. Workers, meanwhile, insisted that their grievances had remained unresolved for a considerable period.
The road blockade reflects the growing discontent among workers awaiting their MGNREGA wages. They are demanding the release of their pending payments and a clear resolution to the uncertainty surrounding the disbursement of their hard-earned money.
