MP: Now, residents can register grievances through WhatsApp

To stop the misinformation campaign started by some people in the tribal district of Alirajpur that payment of MGNREGA had stopped, collector Shekhar Verma circulated two mobile numbers on which the problems can be reported.

Published on: May 1, 2016, 16:57:19 IST

Hindustan Times | By Ritesh Mishra, Indore

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To stop the misinformation campaign started by some people in the tribal district of Alirajpur that payment of MGNREGA had stopped, collector Shekhar Verma circulated two mobile numbers on which the problems can be reported.

Most of the tribal youths now know how to use WhatsApp and many carry mobile phones with them. (Arun Mondhe/HT photo)

Mahatma Gandhi National rural employment guarantee act (MGNREGA) is designed to provide job guarantee for at least 100 days in rural parts of the country.

Messages related to any problem regarding the MGNREGA scheme or even pension and scholarship schemes can be sent on WhatsApp or through texts on 0713689866 and 07394234111.

The collector said the name of the complainant would not be disclosed.

“The aim is to reach the tribals of the district because often sarpanch and secretaries of panchayats misguide the people about MGNERGA and the tribals migrate towards Gujarat,” Verma said.

The collector informed that he himself was monitoring the numbers. He assured that he would redress the issue within a few hours of receiving the message.

“The initiative is gaining momentum even though it started a couple of days ago only,” Verma said.

“I observed that a layman, who is a tribal, hesitates in complaining by calling the collectorate. Hence, I decided to launch a mobile number on which anyone can message,” he added.

Tribal right activists working in Alijarpur district Shankar Tavade said the initiative would definitely work as most of the tribal youths now know how to use WhatsApp.

“When the villagers used to complain to the collector about MGNREGA irregularities or non-payment, they were treated as enemies by the sarpanch and other panchayat members. So the tribals preferred not to work under the scheme and migrated. If the collector claims that he will not disclose the name of the complainant, then surely the initiative will work,” he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More