The Supreme Court’s direction to the UPA government to give the state minimum wage to the workers engaged in the NREGS is most appropriate and correct decision. The SC told the Central Government to resolve the issue through discussion.

The Central government has gone on appeal to the Supreme court against the judgement of the Karnataka High Court ordering for payment of minimum wages to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) workers. The Supreme Court  suggested that the government, instead of appealing to SC, should resolve the issue through a consultative process.

It is reported that certain Ministers including Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh had proposed to the PM that the Government should implement the Karnataka High Court decision, instead of approaching the Supreme Court. This proposal was overruled by the PM.

The Central Government which should at least ensure the minimum wages to all workers, going against that to the Supreme Court shows its lack of sincerity to implement the minimum wages. It also exposes the its double role, on the one hand its claims of supporting the poor and on the other hand denying even the minimum wages to the workers. The Central Government should withdraw its petition in the SC and issue necessary orders for implementing minimum wage. Then only justice will be meted out.