Update:  The activists have been released on bail.  Thanks to all who signed the below petition.  Here is an article on NREGA lok adalat in Latehar District, Jharkhand, by AID volunteer Ashish in 14 March 09 Tehelka

Two NREGA activists, Bhukhan Singh and Niyamat Ansari, were arrested on false charges in Manika (Latehar District, Jharkhand) on 15 February 2009, and sent to jail on 16 February. This appears to be a retaliation against the leading role they played in the recent struggle for payment of unemployment allowances in Manika. This struggle led to the payment of the unemployment allowance in two Gram Panchayats (Kope and Jerua) on 7 February 2009, and a fine on the local BDO.

Lend your support:  Sign a petition to the governor of Jharkhand. 

We hailed the Commisioner of Rural Development of Uttar Pradesh  for passing an order to release unemployment benefits to villagers to the tune of Rs 15 lakhs. Now Mr Kapil Kumar, the Block Development officer (BDO) has gone to High Court to say the commissioner cant pass such an order!  The High Court reaffirming Commisioner's authority has asked him to look into the complaints of the BDOs!  It appears that the BDOs are trying to confuse the issue by arguing that wages shouldnt be paid as people havent worked -- while what the commissioner ordered was UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS precisely because work wasnt provided by officers to people who applied!!  
          Read the high court's order!  |  Unemployment Benefits a first for UP

NREGA Rally starts  -- UPDATE Jan 21, 2009. 

Organizations in Visakha District, Andhra Pradesh are on a padayatra from 19 Jan 2008 through villages, meeting Mandal Parishad Development Offices in several blocks to demand meaningful implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREGA) program.  AID supports NREGA work of some of these groups.