Community Correspondent Mamta Patra, from Sambalpur district, Odisha has been actively using her camera to capture community voices and to ensure they get their entitlements. Her video activism has made her a well known figure in Redhakol block where she works.
Recently, villagers from Gobardhanpur village approached her to get their due payments of MGNREGA. Bank accounts were opened in the name of the villagers, without their knowledge and money withdrawn from them, by the contractor.
Magrate Kerketa worked for 2 months constructing a road. She and her family got paid Rs.3500 and were owed 10,000 more. Repeated requests for payments to the Contractor yielded no results. They where later told to collect it from there post office savings account. She was shocked to know that Rs.10000 was taken out in her name.
In total, 16 people were cheated off their money. A scheme to ensure guaranteed work and pay is inflicted by corruption. You can help by strengthening voices of the residents of Gobardhanpur and Mamta in getting their due wages.
Call to Action: Please call Bijay Kumar Saeya (Block Development Officer), Redhakhol on 09937453743. Demand immediate action be initiated against the contractor.