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.

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.

“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.