Members of Congress and 100-day job scheme labourers stage a protest in front of the Block Development Office in Karaikal on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Congress cadre and labourers under the 100-day work scheme on Wednesday laid siege to the Block Development Office in Karaikal and later staged a road blockade, protesting against the non-payment of wages for the past three months. The protest led to tense moments in the area and disruption of traffic.
The agitation, organised in front of the Block Development Office, was led by Karaikal District Congress Committee president Chandramohan. Former minister M. Kamalakannan, several party functionaries and a large number of workers employed under the rural 100-day employment scheme took part.
Protesters said they had been working continuously for three months in Karaikal region but had not received their wages. They demanded immediate disbursal of pending payments, pointing out that the workers’ families were struggling without income, especially during the monsoon when other sources of livelihood were scarce.
Police personnel from the Town police station held talks with the agitators and asked them to disperse. However, the protesters insisted that the demonstration would continue until they received a firm assurance from the administration and shifted to a road blockade on the main thoroughfare, causing traffic congestion in the vicinity.
On receiving information, Block Development Officer Arunagirinathan arrived at the spot and held discussions with the Congress leaders and workers. He assured them that the pending wages would be released within two weeks, following which the agitators withdrew the protest.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Kamalakannan said that the non-payment of wages was not confined to Karaikal alone. “For three months, workers under the 100-day scheme in Puducherry and Karaikal have not been paid. It is painful that the Puducherry administration has not shown adequate concern. This is the monsoon season; workers are already facing joblessness and income loss. The government must intervene immediately and ensure that all pending wages are cleared.”
Published – December 03, 2025 05:31 pm IST
