Image Source: INDIA TODAY

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has demanded that the central government should pay wages to MGNREGA workers even if they don't go out to work due to the lockdown. Gehlot said this will help lakhs of workers cope up with the economic hardships they are facing. Speaking at a special session at 'E-Agenda Aaj Tak', Ashok Gehlot said, "The number of MGNREGA workers in Rajasthan has risen from 1 lakh to 12 lakh in the past few weeks. We want it to reach 30 lakh. This is a wonderful contribution of the UPA government to the country because it provides guaranteed work of 100 days, irrespective of the situation." Ashok Gehlot said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to industries and employers to pay wages to their workers even if they are unable to work due to the lockdown. "Acting on similar lines, the government should also pay MGNREGA wages to people even if they are unable to go out and work," he said. Ashok Gehlot said the economies of state governments have been "completely destroyed" due to the lockdown and they are now dependent on the Centre. He said, however fortunately the spread of Coid-19 is relatively less in villages. Most of the handicraft workers are based in villages. They have been working during this period. The government too will provide some provisions for their employment. Lockdown has destroyed economy. It will take six months to a year to revive the economy, Ashok Gehlot said.