Ongole workers to get pending wages after 3 months

Providing a significant and much-needed financial lifeline, the Central government has released Rs 119.73 crore to clear pending wage payments for workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Prakasam district. This infusion of funds will bring financial relief to over 1.5 lakh daily wage workers who have been waiting for their earnings for over three months.

The delay in payments, which had been pending since May 29, 2025, was a result of a non-sanction of funds from the central government. For the families of these workers, who rely on these wages for daily expenses, food, and other necessities, the delay had caused considerable hardship. The release of these funds marks a crucial step in alleviating their distress.

According to Joseph Kumar, the District Project Director of the District Water Management Agency (DWMA), the administrative process is now in full swing. "As per the norms, we have to pay the wages to all daily wage workers weekly," he stated. "Now that the funds are released, the entire amount will be deposited into the bank accounts of all 1.5 lakh workers within a week. We understand the difficulties they have faced and are working to ensure a swift and transparent transfer of funds."

The MGNREGS, a vital government scheme that guarantees 100 days of employment to rural households, has a strong presence in Prakasam. The district has a total of 4.42 lakh MGNREGS job cardholders, with 3.81 lakh families actively engaged in various projects. These projects, which include digging canals, building rural roads, and afforestation, are crucial for both local development and providing a social safety net.

In the 2025-26 fiscal year alone, officials reported that the district has spent Rs 252.45 crore on various projects. Of this, Rs 132.72 crore in wages had been paid by May 29, 2025, before the funds were depleted. This new release of Rs 119.73 crore will clear the entire backlog of payments, ensuring that workers are paid for their hard work and can continue to support their families. The timely disbursement of these funds is expected to boost the local rural economy and provide a sense of security to the workers.