Clear the snow

Most of the work covered under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) often comes to a halt in hilly states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand during the winter. This leaves most rural labourers unemployed for several months.

Keeping this in mind, the district administration of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh suggested to the state government that the task of clearing snow should be included under NREGA. The Department of Rural Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh accepted this suggestion since road construction and clearing of debris can be categorised as essential activities, and can, therefore, be undertaken under the scheme.

The district administration of Kinnaur has employed local villagers to clear snow from narrow roads in far off villages across the district. The payment to these villagers falls under NREGA.

On the other hand, in Jammu and Kashmir, we witness much heavier snowfall than Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand. Still, we don’t have a single snow clearance activity sanctioned under NREGA. As of now, in Kashmir, clearance of snow happens using JCBs (a brand that manufactures machinery for agriculture, construction, and waste clearance) and bulldozers—which are meant for soil excavation. They often damage the roads as well. According to the authorities, clearing snow from lanes, roads, and public spaces cannot come under NREGA as it does not lead to creation of physical assets. Though Kinnaur has set a precedent and made the case for snow clearance to be included in NREGA works, the Jammu and Kashmir government is yet to forward a formal proposal to the Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj for this.

Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat is the founder and chairman of Jammu & Kashmir RTI Movement.

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Know more: Read about how how certain reforms to NREGA can go a long way in reducing rural distress triggered by COVID-19.

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