Editor,
Under the Garib Kalyan Viksit Bharat Guarantee – Rozgar evam Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) MGNREGA, the attendance of our poor workers is now being recorded through the IRIS system.
This raises a very important question: If technology and accountability are essential for our poorest citizens, why is the same standard not applied to school teachers in every village, and to all government staffers posted in villages, and to our MLAs and ministers?
I fully understand that the work of an MLA requires travel. A simple solution can be introduced – an option to submit proof of official visit during that time.
However, in remote villages where mobile network itself is weak, how can a poor labourer mark IRIS attendance daily?
And what about the youths and students who migrate for education or work? If they are marked absent, whose account will their hard-earned wages go to?
This system is creating confusion, distress, and a feeling of injustice among the most vulnerable.
My humble suggestion and appeal:
If the Government of India and the state government wish to set an example, I request that IRIS attendance be implemented first for MLAs, ministers, and village school teachers and government staff.
Once leadership sets the example, the poor will automatically follow without any complaint, because if our representatives and teachers can do it, then we can too. This is the easiest and most convincing way to implement it successfully.
If we cannot implement IRIS attendance for teachers, MLAs, ministers and government staff, then please do not make it compulsory in a way that forces the poor into despair and pushes them toward helplessness.
After all other doors, our only last option will be to knock at the doors of justice.
We all want a Viksit Bharat. But ‘vikas’ must begin with equality and compassion.
I kindly request the Government of India and the state government to review this policy and bring a solution that is both transparent and practical for every citizen.
Lokjesh Dubi,
Dubi village,
Upper Subansiri
